Russia launches barrage of missiles, drones at Ukraine overnight-Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed on Thursday that Russia had unleashed a relentless assault on Ukraine, firing over 40 missiles and deploying 40 drones overnight. The attacks, which targeted critical infrastructure across the nation, notably struck the city of Kharkiv once again.
Zelensky condemned the assault, revealing that while some missiles and drones were successfully intercepted, a significant number managed to penetrate Ukrainian defenses. He lamented the repeated aggression against Kharkiv, a city that has endured multiple deadly attacks in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that the strikes extended beyond Kharkiv, with significant infrastructure in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Lviv also being targeted. He decried the deliberate targeting of vital facilities by what he termed “Russian terrorists.”
This latest onslaught comes amidst a series of devastating attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in recent months, marking some of the most severe aerial assaults witnessed during the two-year conflict. Zelensky urgently appealed to Ukraine’s Western allies to provide enhanced air defense systems in response to the escalating threat.
Interior Minister Igor Klymenko reported widespread damage across multiple regions, with hundreds of rescuers mobilized to address the aftermath of the bombardment. While the attacks caused significant disruptions, no casualties were reported, offering a slight reprieve amidst the chaos.
However, concerns loom over potential repercussions, as Mayor of Kharkiv warned of possible energy supply disruptions in the city, Ukraine’s second-largest urban center. Additionally, reports emerged of explosions in the Zaporizhzhia region, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The head of the Lviv region, Maksym Kozytsky, detailed the destruction inflicted by the Russian assault, citing attacks on crucial gas distribution and electric facilities. Despite the fires ignited by the onslaught, prompt action by firefighters prevented further escalation of the crisis.
Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have neutralized 12 Ukrainian drones during the operation, with several being destroyed in various regions. The ongoing drone warfare between the two nations underscores the complexity and volatility of the conflict, with no immediate resolution in sight.
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