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 – Ukrainian officials reported a significant surge in Russian air attacks, with over 1,560 drones and 56 missiles launched in a sustained assault on the capital, Kyiv. The strikes, which continued for more than 11 hours on Wednesday and into Thursday, caused widespread destruction and left at least 17 people dead, according to authorities. Emergency services confirmed that 16 individuals perished in a bombing of a nine-story residential building, while another man succumbed to injuries sustained at a gas station, as reported by police.
Survivors recount the chaos
Among the victims was a 12-year-old girl, and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko noted that a 15-year-old girl also lost her life in the attack. Olena Suntovska, a 38-year-old resident of the targeted building, described the scene to CNN. “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,” she said. Suntovska, who is a mother of three, added, “I was scared – it’s so stressful for me because I was worried about the kids.”
Polina, a 76-year-old resident, shared her experience 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, using only her first name. “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 (underground) anywhere.” Her account highlights the vulnerability of civilians in the face of relentless aerial bombardment.
State Emergency Service officials warned that more than a dozen people remain unaccounted for, with some likely trapped beneath the debris of the collapsed structure. The scale of destruction underscores the intensity of the attack, which has been described as the most severe aerial assault on Kyiv in a two-day span since the war began. Air raid alarms blared throughout the night, disrupting sleep and daily routines for thousands of residents.
Strategic timing and Ukraine’s response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky explained that Russia had been accumulating drones and missiles over an extended period before launching the coordinated strike. “The enemy stockpiled drones and missiles over a period of time and deliberately timed the attack to ensure its scale was significant and the challenges for our air defense were as great as possible,” he said. This methodical approach aimed to overwhelm Ukraine’s defenses and create a substantial toll on civilian life.
Zelensky also noted that the attacks extended beyond Kyiv, hitting other regions such as Kharkiv, Poltava, and Zaporizhzhia. In Kharkiv, at least 28 people were injured in morning strikes, while two additional casualties were reported in the Odesa region. The attacks damaged critical infrastructure, including energy and railway systems, as well as a power substation and high-voltage power line in Kyiv, according to energy company DTEK. Ukrainian railways confirmed that a train locomotive was struck in the Kharkiv region, though the crew managed to escape unharmed.
A day of mourning and escalating tensions
Kyiv’s mayor declared Thursday as a day of mourning, acknowledging the devastation caused by the assault. “This is the enemy’s largest-scale attack on the capital,” he said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The declaration reflects the collective grief of a nation grappling with the relentless pace of war.
Zelensky’s remarks also signal Ukraine’s resolve to counter the aggression. “We are preparing a response to this massive barrage,” he stated, hinting at future military strategies to mitigate the damage. The two-day aerial onslaught has forced the country to reassess its defensive capabilities and adapt to the evolving tactics of the Russian military.
Residents of Kyiv have expressed shock at the destruction. The residential building, which housed families, became a focal point of the attack. “I was scared – it’s so stressful for me because I was worried about the kids,” Suntovska repeated, her voice trembling. The attack not only caused immediate casualties but also left lasting psychological impacts on survivors. The collapse of the building and the absence of adequate shelters have heightened fears of further attacks.
Polina’s story reveals the personal toll of the conflict. “I woke up to find that the window to my balcony had been blown out,” she said. Her description paints a vivid picture of the sudden, violent disruption to everyday life. The loss of homes and the destruction of infrastructure have forced many to question the long-term implications of the war on Kyiv’s resilience.
Regional impacts and ongoing threats
While Kyiv faced the brunt of the attacks, other regions also bore the consequences. The strikes on Poltava and Zaporizhzhia disrupted energy supplies and damaged railway networks, affecting transportation and communication. In Kyiv, the destruction of a power substation and high-voltage lines threatened to cut off electricity to parts of the city, though emergency crews worked to restore services as quickly as possible.
The scale of the assault has raised concerns about Russia’s ability to sustain such attacks. Zelensky’s admission that drones were used in a “largest aerial attack” on Ukraine in two days highlights the strategic shift in warfare. The increased use of drones, combined with traditional missile attacks, marks a new phase in the conflict, one that requires Ukraine to strengthen its defenses and protect civilian populations more effectively.
Despite the damage, Ukraine’s resilience remains evident. Survivors like Suntovska and Polina, though traumatized, continue to share their experiences and support the nation’s efforts. “We don’t have a proper bomb shelter here,” Polina said, her words a reminder of the challenges faced by Ukrainian cities. Yet, she and others in Kyiv are determined to rebuild and recover from the assault.
The attacks on Kharkiv and Odesa, while less severe than those in Kyiv, contribute to the growing sense of vulnerability across Ukraine. The injuries reported in these areas add to the casualty count, underscoring the widespread impact of Russia’s military campaign. As the conflict continues, the resilience of Ukrainian citizens and the adaptability of their government will be crucial in navigating the ongoing challenges.
