Russia launched a massive missile attack against Ukraine, hitting 15 Ukrainian regions and causing power outages across the country. This attack, which used drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic ballistic Kinzhal missiles, resulted in at least three deaths and 13 injuries. The damage extended to several Ukrainian regions, with explosions reported in Kyiv and disruptions to power and water supplies. Emergency blackouts were implemented by Ukraine’s private energy company, DTEK, to stabilize the power grid. Ukrainian officials opened “points of invincibility” as shelters for people to charge their devices and access refreshments during energy blackouts. Neighbouring Poland activated its and NATO’s air defenses in response to the attack.
Ukraine retaliated with its own powerful offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, reportedly injuring four people during a drone attack in the Saratov region. Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have intercepted a total of 22 Ukrainian drones, although these claims could not be independently confirmed. Ukrainian officials called on allies to provide long-range weapons to target Russian territory more effectively and stop the shelling of Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the need to destroy the source of the missile launches and expressed confidence that Russia would be made to pay for its actions. The exchange of fire occurred shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv, during which he offered to support a peaceful resolution of the conflict and discussed a potential “peace formula” prioritizing territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian troops.
The attack by Russia on Ukraine was described as Moscow’s largest assault in weeks, with the barrage starting at midnight and continuing into the morning. The attack targeted 15 Ukrainian regions, more than half of the country, using drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic ballistic Kinzhal missiles. The resulting power outages and damage to infrastructure led to casualties and injuries across Ukraine. The Ukrainian government issued emergency blackouts to stabilize the power grid, with 194 settlements experiencing full power outages in the Sumy region. Ukrainian officials opened shelters for people to access charging facilities and refreshments during energy blackouts, while Poland and NATO activated air defenses in response to the attack.
In retaliation, Ukraine launched its own offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, reportedly injuring four people in a drone attack. Russia claimed to have intercepted 22 Ukrainian drones, although these claims could not be verified independently. Ukrainian officials called on allies to supply long-range weapons to target Russian territory effectively and halt the shelling of Ukrainian cities. Prime Minister Shmyhal stressed the importance of destroying the missile launch sites and expressed confidence in making Russia be held accountable for its actions. Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kyiv and his offer to support a peaceful resolution of the conflict highlighted the international involvement in the ongoing crisis, with discussions focusing on territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian troops as key priorities.
The escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in a significant escalation of violence, with Russia launching a massive missile attack targeting multiple regions in Ukraine. The use of drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic ballistic Kinzhal missiles caused widespread power outages and disruptions to vital services. Ukraine responded with its own offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, with reports of casualties and injuries on both sides. The international community, including Poland and NATO, mobilized air defenses in response to the attack, while Ukrainian officials called for support from allies in acquiring long-range weapons to target Russian territory effectively.
The exchange of fire between Russia and Ukraine follows a visit by Indian Prime Minister Modi to Kyiv, where he offered to support a peaceful resolution of the conflict based on principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Discussions between Modi and Ukrainian officials focused on a potential “peace formula” prioritizing the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. Amid the escalating violence and calls for international support, the situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation and humanitarian crisis looming large. The need for a diplomatic solution to the conflict becomes increasingly urgent as the toll of the violence continues to rise, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and support in resolving the crisis.
