Russia launches massive missile, drone attack on half of Ukraine: Zelensky

New Delhi: Russian forces unleashed a massive aerial assault on Ukraine on Monday, deploying over 100 missiles and approximately 100 attack drones, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Describing it as one of the largest combined strikes to date, Zelensky confirmed the scale of the attack in a video message posted on Telegram, highlighting the use of various types of missiles and Shahed drones.

Devastating impact on Ukraine's power grid

The widespread missile and drone strikes severely impacted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of at least four people and triggering emergency blackouts across the country. The barrage targeted 15 regions, marking the most extensive assault in recent weeks. The state-owned electricity system operator, Ukrenergo, was forced to implement emergency power cuts to stabilize the grid, while train services were also disrupted.

Escalation amid Ukraine's offensive in Russia

The attacks coincided with Ukraine’s ongoing offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have been engaged in fierce battles for nearly three weeks. Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal condemned the Russian strikes, stating, "Russian terrorists have once again targeted energy infrastructure," acknowledging the damage sustained across multiple regions.

Kyiv residents take shelter as explosions rock capital

In Kyiv, explosions from what appeared to be air defense systems were heard early Monday morning, prompting residents to seek refuge in metro stations. AFP journalists on the ground reported widespread anxiety among the city's inhabitants. Yulia Voloshyna, a 34-year-old lawyer taking shelter in the metro, shared her fears, saying, "We have been under stress for almost three years now. It was very scary, to be honest. You don't know what to expect."

Ukraine calls for European support

In response to the relentless aerial bombardments, President Zelensky issued an urgent plea to European nations for increased support in countering Russian drones and missiles. He emphasized the need for European warplanes to collaborate with Ukraine’s F-16s and air defense systems to better protect lives across the country.

Damage across multiple regions

The Russian strikes resulted in widespread casualties and damage across various regions in Ukraine. In the central Dnipropetrovsk region, one person was killed, while the southern Zaporizhzhia region reported another fatality. In the western city of Lutsk, an apartment building and an infrastructure facility were hit, killing one person and injuring five others. The northern Sumy region also faced attacks, with railway infrastructure being targeted, leading to injuries and damage.

Authorities in several other regions, including Odesa, Lviv, Mykolaiv, and Poltava, reported significant damage to energy facilities and residential areas, with multiple injuries and fatalities. The ongoing attacks have further strained Ukraine's energy sector, prompting Energy Minister German Galushchenko to warn, "The enemy is once again terrorizing the whole of Ukraine with missiles. The energy sector is in the crosshairs."