Russia has initiated a significant drone attack on Ukraine, targeting 15 regions and causing damage to vital infrastructure, residential buildings and schools. Ukrainian air force successfully intercepted 78 out of 105 Russian drones during the assault. Despite this, the aerial attacks resulted in harm to power lines and equipment at substations in regions such as Kyiv, Odesa, and Ivano-Frankivsk. The attacks led to temporary disruptions in railway services and power supply for households, according to Ukraine’s energy ministry. Areas like Poltava, Cherkasy and Kirovohrad also reported minor property damage.
Although Moscow denies targeting civilians, it has frequently attacked towns and cities beyond the front lines. A Russian glide bomb hit a five-story residential building in Kharkiv, injuring at least 12 individuals. In response, the Ukrainian military launched a missile strike towards Russia, using US-provided ATACMS ballistic missiles on a Russian radar station. The objective was to impair Moscow’s capabilities in detecting and intercepting aerodynamic and ballistic targets.
Furthermore, Ukrainian drones executed attacks on the “Borisoglebsk” military airfield and fuel warehouses in Russia’s Voronezh region, aiming to prevent Russian troops from using fighter jets to strike Ukrainian cities. The Ukrainian Security Service stated that these operations would continue. Nato’s new Chief Mark Rutte reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Rutte emphasised that Ukraine has Nato’s strong support, stating that Ukraine is closer to Nato than ever before.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky called on Western allies to enable Ukraine to take offensive actions within Russian territory using supplied weaponry. However, Western allies have hesitated due to concerns over Moscow’s potential response. Ukrainian forces are reinforcing defences in the Donetsk region, following their recent withdrawal from the town of Vuhledar. Despite a previous incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, Ukrainian troops are now primarily on the defensive as Russian forces make advances in eastern Ukraine.
Russian troops currently occupy nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory, with ongoing tensions and military actions shaping the region’s future. The meeting between Nato’s new Chief and the Ukrainian President underscores the critical international support Ukraine seeks in the face of conflict and aggression.