Five casualties reported due to Russian missile bombardment in Ukraine.
Russian aggression towards Ukraine remains relentless, as President Putin continues his pursuit to dismantle Ukraine, despite its valiant defense efforts. This weekend, as Ukraine celebrates its 33rd Independence Day, Russia unleashes another wave of assault, launching a onslaught of rockets and drones, resulting in at least five fatalities and power outages in Kyiv.
In one of the most severe attacks in nearly three years of conflict, over 100 rockets and an equivalent number of combat drones have been unleashed onto Ukraine from the sky, as per Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal's announcement on Telegram. According to his statement, 15 out of the 24 Ukrainian provinces have been impacted.
Russia's primary objective once more was Ukraine's energy sector, causing power outages and forced shutdowns in Kyiv and other territories across the country. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged this in a video message posted on Telegram, declaring it as one of the heaviest attacks. He also urged international partners to grant permission for the use of Western weapons against military targets within Russia, emphasizing the importance of decisive action to conclude the conflict equitably.
Collateral damage and casualties were slow to emerge due to the duration of the assault throughout the morning. According to preliminary reports, at least five individuals have lost their lives in various locations, including Luzk, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia, while 17 others have been injured.
The city of Kyiv witnessed an air alert lasting approximately eight hours until 13:45 local time (12:45 CEST), as Russian combat drones remained airborne over the city. Videos circulated on social media show residents in the capital city thronging metro stations seeking refuge in underground shelters.
Eleven Russian strategic bombers in the airspace
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russian forces utilized 11 Tu-95 bombers as launch platforms for cruise missiles at a certain point. Hypersonic Kinzhal missiles were also fired towards Ukraine, along with cruise missiles launched from the Black Sea. Many drones were identified in the airspace as well. As conventional practice, Ukraine did not disclose information regarding strikes on military targets.
Polish military aircraft were scrambled in response to the proximity of Russian attacks near the border, with the Polish news agency PAP reporting on the involvement of foreign allies in the operation.
Power grid emergency shutdowns in Ukraine
Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko stated on Facebook, "The adversary is not wavering in its intention to plunge Ukrainians into darkness." The circumstances are tough. Ukrenergo and other energy companies are attempting to stabilize the network through emergency shutdowns. In areas with no power, the water supply is often affected as well.
Since the beginning of 2023/24, Russia has targeted Ukraine's power plants and energy infrastructure with multiple coordinated air strikes. In an attack on December 29, the Russian army discharged 122 missiles and cruise missiles, together with 36 drones, according to official Ukrainian records. This led to more than 30 deaths in Ukraine.
Ukraine has been enduring a large-scale Russian incursion since February 2022. Last Saturday, Europe's second-largest country commemorated its 33rd anniversary of liberty from the Soviet Union.
The attack on Ukraine, which included over 100 rockets and drones, resulted in at least five fatalities and power outages in Kyiv, as stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. This recent incident is just one of the many aggressive actions Russia has taken against Ukraine, aiming to disrupt its energy sector and cause chaos.
