In a significant escalation of its ongoing military campaign, Russia launched its largest drone assault on Ukraine overnight, deploying a record number of unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic missiles, Ukrainian authorities reported on Tuesday.

The attack, which struck multiple regions, caused damage to critical infrastructure and residential buildings, leaving communities reeling.

According to Ukraine’s air force, the overnight assault involved 188 drones, primarily Shahed models, designed in Iran.

Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 76 drones across 17 regions, while an additional 95 were either electronically neutralized or disappeared from radar systems. The assault also included the launch of four Iskander-M ballistic missiles, further intensifying the bombardment.

“During the night attack, the enemy launched a record number of Shahed strike unmanned aerial vehicles and unidentified drones,” the air force said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, critical infrastructure facilities were hit, and private and apartment buildings sustained damage in several regions due to massive drone attacks.”

Kyiv Among Hardest Hit

The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, was one of the primary targets. Explosions reverberated across the city as residents endured an air raid alert that lasted more than five hours, the longest in recent memory.

Kyiv city officials confirmed that at least 10 drones were shot down within the capital’s airspace, mitigating what could have been a more severe toll on civilian lives and infrastructure.

AFP journalists on the ground in Kyiv reported hearing multiple explosions as air defense systems engaged the incoming drones. Emergency services were swiftly dispatched to affected areas, assessing damage and aiding those impacted by the strikes.

Widespread Impact Across Regions

Beyond Kyiv, the drone barrage caused destruction in several other regions. Critical infrastructure facilities, which are crucial to maintaining energy and logistical operations, were among the targets.

Residential areas, including private homes and apartment blocks, also suffered damage, displacing families and heightening humanitarian concerns.

While Ukrainian authorities have not yet disclosed the full extent of casualties or the specific regions most affected, the widespread nature of the assault underscores Russia’s continuing reliance on aerial offensives to exert pressure on Ukraine.

Electronic Warfare Tactics

Ukraine’s defense forces employed a combination of traditional air defenses and advanced electronic warfare tactics to counter the assault.

A significant number of drones were neutralized through electronic jamming, highlighting the evolving technological dimensions of the conflict.

Despite these measures, the scale and intensity of the attack underscore the challenges faced by Ukraine as it defends against an adversary with extensive resources and access to advanced weaponry.

International Reactions

The unprecedented assault has drawn widespread condemnation from international observers, with calls for increased support to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

The attack also raises concerns about the continued supply of Iranian-designed drones to Russia, a contentious issue in global diplomatic discussions.

As Ukraine assesses the damage and begins recovery efforts, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the enduring volatility of the conflict.

For residents of Kyiv and other affected regions, the overnight bombardment was yet another harrowing chapter in a war that shows no signs of abating.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members