The new Russian offensive reached nine Ukrainian cities and caused damage to homes, schools, medical centers, and infrastructure. Kiev once again called for more air defense systems to cope with the intensity of the attacks
Russia launched a new wave of attacks against Ukraine on Thursday using around 140 drones, in an offensive carried out during the day and particularly focused on Kiev, according to Ukrainian authorities. The attack was part of a broader offensive that affected nine cities in the country.
Ukrainian forces activated their air defense systems in response to the arrival of the drones and other projectiles. In Kiev, authorities reported damage in various sectors of the city, while emergency teams worked to control fires and assess the damage caused by the attacks.
A man observes the destruction of the Russian attack
The offensive also reached other regions. In Odesa, the bombings caused significant damage to port facilities and grain storage silos. The attacks lasted for several hours and affected infrastructure deemed strategic for Ukrainian agricultural exports.
In Kharkiv, Zaporizhia, and other cities, the attacks caused damage to residential buildings and other facilities. In Zaporizhia, a 78-year-old woman was killed and injuries were reported in different parts of the country. Ukrainian authorities also reported damage to schools and medical centers.
The scale of the attack once again highlights the pressure that Russia is exerting on Ukrainian air defenses. Kiev has repeatedly called on its Western allies to send more air defense systems and interceptor missiles, especially Patriot units capable of countering some of the most difficult projectiles to stop.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated the need to enhance the country's air defense capabilities. Ukraine maintains that the number of available interceptors is insufficient to respond to the increasing volume of drones and missiles used by Russia.
The offensive also occurs in parallel with the increase in Ukrainian attacks against targets located within Russian territory. Kiev has intensified the use of long-range drones against refineries, energy facilities, logistics centers, and military targets.
Russian soldiers with a military drone
The escalation demonstrates that, despite diplomatic efforts to seek a resolution to the conflict, air attacks continue to increase in intensity. Russia maintains its capacity to launch large waves of drones and missiles against Ukrainian cities, while Kiev attempts to expand its defenses and respond with long-range attacks within Russian territory.
The new bombing once again places Kiev and Ukrainian civil infrastructure under pressure, while authorities work to assess the damage and restore affected services.
