KYIV, Ukraine – On Thursday, Russia conducted a significant aerial assault on Ukraine for the third time in four days, launching missiles and a large number of drones, most of which were intercepted by Ukraine’s air force. The air force statement reported that Russian forces fired five missiles and 74 Shahed drones at Ukrainian targets. Ukrainian air defenses managed to stop two missiles and 60 drones, while 14 others likely crashed before hitting their intended locations. Debris from destroyed drones fell in three districts of Kyiv, causing minor damage to civilian infrastructure but no injuries.
Russia’s continued long-range attacks on civilian areas have been a notable aspect of the conflict since its invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian officials have been increasingly vocal in their calls for Western nations supporting their defense to lift restrictions on targets inside Russia that can be engaged with the long-range weapons provided. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western allies to remove these restrictions, emphasizing that such actions could lead to ending the war more swiftly and justly for Ukraine and the global community.
Zelenskyy’s appeals received support from the European Union’s top diplomat, who echoed the need to reconsider limitations on Ukraine’s military actions. In response to Russian aggression, Ukraine has utilized domestically produced drones for counterattacks. Notably, the Russian military announced the prevention of an overnight assault on Crimea, destroying three Ukrainian sea drones targeting the Black Sea peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014.
Noteworthy developments also came from Ukraine’s Army General Staff, which acknowledged the country’s involvement in strikes on oil depots deep inside Russia this week, leading to fires in the Rostov and Kirov regions. These actions were part of Ukraine’s strategy to disrupt logistical support for Russia’s military operations. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to draw international attention and concern.
