Russia hammers Ukraine in biggest prolonged drone attack since war began
Russia hammers Ukraine in biggest prolonged drone attack since war began
Russia hammers Ukraine in biggest prolonged – Overnight, a massive assault by Russian forces struck Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, resulting in the deaths of 17 individuals and injuring dozens of others, as confirmed by Ukrainian officials. The attack marked the most extensive aerial bombardment on Ukraine within a two-day span since the war began, with President Volodymyr Zelensky reporting that over 1,560 drones were launched from Wednesday onward. Additionally, 56 missiles were deployed during the night, according to statements released Thursday. CNN’s on-site team noted that air raid alerts persisted for nearly 11 hours throughout the day and into the night, creating a sustained period of chaos for residents.
Emergency services reported that an attack on a nine-story residential complex in Kyiv claimed at least 16 lives, including a 12-year-old girl. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko later confirmed that a 15-year-old girl was also among the fatalities. In another incident, a man in Kyiv died in hospital after sustaining injuries from an assault on a gas station, as detailed by local police. The State Emergency Service warned that several residents might still be trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building, with over a dozen people reported missing.
“I heard a loud explosion. I ran out to the kitchen and saw people running around the yard, calling for help. Then I rushed out of the building and saw that the front entrance was gone,” said Olena Suntovska, a 38-year-old resident of the targeted building. The mother of three added, “I was scared – it’s so stressful for me because I was worried about the kids.”
Another survivor, 76-year-old Polina, recounted the shock of the attack. “I never imagined the damage would be this bad; when I went out into the yard, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” she told CNN, requesting to be identified by her first name only. Polina highlighted the lack of adequate shelter, noting that the only bomb shelter in the area is located in a nearby building, forcing her and others to remain exposed during the strikes.
Zelensky described the attack as a deliberate escalation by Russia, emphasizing that the country had been amassing drones and missiles over a prolonged period. “The strike was timed to maximize its impact and overwhelm our air defense capabilities,” he stated. The president also mentioned that Ukraine is working to counter the assault, though specifics of the planned response were not immediately disclosed. The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, labeled the attack “the enemy’s largest-scale assault on the capital” and announced plans for a day of mourning in the coming days.
Damage Beyond Kyiv
While Kyiv bore the brunt of the attacks, other regions also experienced significant damage. The assault extended to Kharkiv, where at least 28 people were injured in the early hours of Thursday, according to Zelensky. In the Odesa region, two additional individuals sustained injuries from separate strikes. The attack also targeted Poltava and Zaporizhzhia, disrupting energy and railway networks. Energy company DTEK reported that a power substation and a high-voltage power line were damaged in Kyiv following the missile and drone strike.
Ukrainian railways, Ukrzaliznytsia, confirmed that a train locomotive was hit in the Kharkiv region. Despite the damage, the crew managed to evacuate safely before the situation worsened. The coordinated strikes suggest a strategic effort to cripple Ukraine’s infrastructure while testing its defensive systems. Zelensky highlighted the scale of the operation, stating that the two-day aerial barrage was the most intense since the war began, with Russian forces leveraging drones and missiles to create a sustained threat.
The aftermath of the attack has left Kyiv grappling with the consequences. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the rubble, while hospitals treated the injured from multiple incidents. Residents expressed fear and uncertainty, with many unsure of how to protect themselves from future strikes. “We don’t have a proper bomb shelter here. There’s only one in a nearby building not in ours, so we don’t go down anywhere,” Polina explained, underscoring the challenges faced by civilians in the absence of adequate protection.
As the city recovers, officials are assessing the full extent of the damage. The State Emergency Service is coordinating efforts to locate missing individuals, with hopes of rescuing those still buried beneath the debris. Meanwhile, Zelensky has vowed to respond to the onslaught, signaling that Ukraine remains determined to defend its territory. The attack has also intensified calls for international support, as the scale of destruction underscores the ongoing pressure on Ukraine’s resources.
Historically, Kyiv has been a primary target for Russian forces, with its symbolic importance and strategic infrastructure making it a key objective. The two-day assault, however, has set a new precedent in terms of intensity and coordination. Analysts suggest that Russia’s focus on drones reflects a shift in tactics, aiming to saturate Ukrainian defenses with a high volume of attacks. The use of both drones and missiles indicates a multi-pronged strategy, targeting not only military installations but also civilian areas to disrupt daily life.
Residents like Olena and Polina have shared harrowing accounts of the attack, offering a personal perspective on the devastation. Olena described the panic that gripped her as she fled the building, while Polina spoke of the shock of witnessing the destruction firsthand. These testimonies add a human element to the broader narrative, illustrating the toll of the war on everyday life. The emotional impact of the attacks is evident, with families fearing for their safety and communities rallying to support one another in the wake of the crisis.
As the situation unfolds, Kyiv remains under constant threat, with the potential for further strikes in the days ahead. The city’s resilience in the face of such adversity is a testament to its determination to endure. Yet, the challenge of maintaining infrastructure and protecting civilians continues to grow. The attack has also raised questions about the long-term viability of Ukraine’s defenses, with officials working to adapt to the evolving tactics of Russian forces.
With the war entering its second year, the frequency and scale of attacks have increased, reflecting a broader strategy to wear down Ukrainian morale and resources. The assault on Kyiv serves as a stark reminder of the war’s escalating nature, with both sides demonstrating a willingness to escalate violence. As the nation prepares for further challenges, the focus remains on rebuilding and recovering, even as the threat of more attacks looms on the horizon.