Russia has launched one of the largest aerial assaults of the war, firing 656 drones and 73 missiles at Ukraine in a massive overnight attack that primarily targeted Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials.
Casualties and Damage
Ukrainian authorities said at least 18 people were killed and more than 100 injured as explosions rocked the capital and several other regions. The attack caused significant damage to residential buildings and infrastructure.
Air Defense Response
Ukraine's air force reported that air defenses intercepted or neutralized hundreds of incoming threats but confirmed that multiple missiles and drones reached their targets. Officials also said the barrage included eight Zircon hypersonic missiles, marking one of the largest reported uses of the advanced weapon during the conflict.
Context of the Attack
The attack comes just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Ukrainian forces had struck 15 Russian oil refineries between January and May, disrupting Russia's energy infrastructure.
This assault represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with Russia employing a large number of drones and missiles in a coordinated strike. The use of hypersonic missiles underscores the advanced nature of the weapons being deployed.
