Russia conducted a massive missile and drone strike against targets all over Ukraine. Key points:
- Ukraine’s military fought back, shooting down many incoming projectiles
- The attack damaged power stations and other infrastructure in multiple cities
- Residential buildings were hit, and some civilians were injured
Why is this missile barrage happening now after a quieter period? Let’s take a closer look.
Widespread Damage Reported
According to Ukrainian officials, the latest Russian missile attack caused damage across seven different regions of the country. Three major power plants were hit in the southern city of Kherson. The rail station and tracks were also reportedly damaged there.
In the western city of Lviv, some residential buildings were struck. Ukraine says civilians were hurt, but exact numbers are still unknown at this time.
Missile Barrage From Multiple Fronts
The bombardment came in two primary waves overnight. In total, Ukraine’s military reported shooting down 59 of the 76 missiles and drones that made it through their airspace.
Many of the projectiles were launched from Russian bombers over the Caspian Sea to the east of Ukraine. Others were fired from within Russia itself, as well as territory currently occupied by Russian forces inside Ukraine.
Wide-ranging, Sustained Attacks
Yuri Ihnat, a spokesman for Ukraine’s Air Force, stated that Russia used a variety of different weapons systems in the attack. These included cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, rockets, and Iranian-made Shahed drones.
Despite the heavy bombardment, Ukraine’s air defences could intercept most of the incoming threats headed for Kyiv’s capital. However, Russian forces kept up sustained missile and drone strikes throughout the night across other parts of the country.
James Waterhouse, the BBC’s correspondent in Ukraine, noted:
“Things have been quiet for a while, but it’s clear that Russia had the means to launch such attacks of this size alongside waging its war on the vast front lines in the east and south of Ukraine.”
Infrastructure Remains a Prime Target
Russia has frequently targeted Ukraine’s power grid and other critical infrastructure over the past year of the conflict. The goal appears to be wearing down Ukraine’s defences and disrupting essential services for civilians.
However, Ukrainian forces have grown skilled at intercepting and mitigating the damage from Russia’s long-range missile and drone strikes. They have also worked diligently to repair infrastructure systems when they are hit.
Despite these challenges, life for many Ukrainians has regained some sense of routine between the waves of bombardment from Russian forces. However, attacks like this show the lingering threat that is still faced daily.
Conclusion
In this latest escalation, Russia demonstrated its ability to launch massive missile barrages from multiple fronts – even as its forces remain bogged down on the front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine.
Infrastructure damage was widespread, targeting Ukraine’s power grid and other essential systems. But why keep pursuing these bombardment tactics that have failed to break Ukraine’s resilience so far?
Only time will tell the reasoning behind Russia’s latest missile frenzy. But one thing is sure – Ukraine’s civilians continue to bear the terrifying brunt of the onslaught.
