One of Largest Attacks Since Invasion Began
Russia has launched one of its most extensive drone and missile attacks on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. The assault lasted more than 12 hours and involved nearly 600 drones and 50 missiles, according to Ukrainian military sources. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described it as a massive coordinated assault targeting multiple regions across the country.
Kyiv suffered the heaviest damage, with four confirmed fatalities and ten injuries reported. A cardiology department at a local hospital was struck, causing significant fire damage. Reuters reported seeing blackened walls and at least one burned body at the scene.
Regional Impact and Civilian Casualties
The southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia also sustained heavy damage, with dozens injured including several children. A school and multiple residential buildings were damaged in the attack. Air defense systems were active for hours across much of Ukraine, with air raid sirens sounding throughout the country.
'The damage is extensive across many areas of Kyiv,' reported local authorities as residents sought shelter in underground metro stations during the prolonged assault.
NATO Response and Airspace Security
In response to the attack, Poland deployed fighter jets and temporarily closed airspace along its eastern border. Airports in Lublin and Rzeszow suspended operations due to "unplanned military activity related to ensuring state security."
This marks the second time in recent weeks that Poland has scrambled jets during Russian attacks on Ukraine. Last week, several Russian drones were shot down in Polish airspace, raising concerns about NATO's eastern flank security.
According to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Ukrainian_War, the conflict has escalated significantly since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, becoming the largest military confrontation in Europe since World War II.
International Reactions
At the United Nations General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia has no intention of attacking the EU or NATO but would respond decisively to "any form of aggression" against his country.
President Zelensky called for a "powerful response" from the United States and Europe, stating on social media platform X: 'Everyone who wants peace must support President Trump's efforts and stop all Russian imports.'
The incident highlights growing tensions along NATO's eastern borders, with recent drone sightings reported over Denmark's main air force base and previous airspace violations in Poland and Estonia.