Devastating Drone Assault: Russia's New Wave of Attacks on Ukraine

In a coordinated campaign, Russia launched 267 drones against Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread destruction, as authorities grapple with the aftermath.

Russia launched a significant drone offensive late Saturday night, marking a troubling escalation in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Official reports reveal that a record-breaking 267 drones were deployed in this unprecedented attack, leaving civilians vulnerable and emergency responders scrambling to assess the damage across various regions.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat confirmed that of the drones sent, 138 were successfully intercepted by air defense systems. However, the fate of the remaining 119 is murky, as they disappeared from radar after severe electronic jamming, raising concerns about potential undisclosed damage.

The onslaught, occurring just before the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, resulted in distressing reports of casualties. At least three fatalities have been confirmed, including a man and a mother of twins, following drone strikes on residential areas in Kherson. Additional reports indicated that another man died and three were injured in Kryvyi Rih, with a 53-year-old woman hospitalized in Zaporizhzhia.

In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that multiple houses and vehicles sustained damage from drone attacks; however, information regarding injuries remains limited as of now. Across Ukraine, interceptions were noted in at least 13 regions, including notable cities such as Kharkiv, Poltava, and Chernihiv.

Adding to the escalating tensions, the Ukrainian Air Force also announced that three ballistic missiles were launched by Russia overnight. In response, Russia’s military claims to have intercepted 20 Ukrainian drones that were reportedly targeting facilities within its territory. As both nations continue to exchange drone and missile strikes, the intensity of the conflict shows no signs of abating.