Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched a prolonged attack on Kyiv and other cities, targeting ports, industrial sites, and retailers’ distribution centers using missiles and drones. Commuters in the capital were met with the sounds of air defenses engaging drones after an intense overnight assault that included ballistic missiles and 258 drones, according to the Ukrainian military.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia conducted a significant strike on Ukraine, aiming at various key infrastructures with ballistic and hypersonic missiles along with combat drones. The Ukrainian military successfully intercepted seven ballistic missiles, demonstrating an improved strike rate following the receipt of a small batch of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors.
Despite the interception capabilities of the Patriot interceptors, the limited supply has made Ukraine more susceptible to Russia’s ongoing air campaign. In response, Russia claimed to have faced a drone attack that temporarily disrupted an online retailer’s logistics complex in Ufa.
Ukraine received additional support from allies like Britain, which pledged to provide classified technology for Kyiv to produce Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Moscow issued a warning, stating its intention to target British military assets in and outside Ukraine in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes using British weaponry.
Air-raid sirens blaring
Air-raid sirens resonated in Kyiv as attack drones flew over multiple neighborhoods, resulting in debris injuring four individuals. In Kharkiv, a lunchtime attack on a shopping center claimed one life and injured two others.
The assaults extended to Ukrainian retailers, with distribution centers of major companies like COMFY and a leading toy manufacturer being destroyed. Roshen, a prominent chocolate company founded by former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, also reported the destruction of one of its warehouses near Kyiv.
Russian strikes targeted various industrial sites, energy facilities, and infrastructure in different regions of Ukraine, causing disruptions to train services and leaving passengers stranded. Additionally, six Russian drones breached Moldova’s airspace, leading Moldovan President Maia Sandu to condemn the incursion strongly.
