KYIV, Ukraine — In a series of targeted nighttime assaults, Russian missile, bomb, and drone attacks struck three regions of Ukraine, officials reported on Friday. These actions are indicative of an escalating aerial campaign, prompting Ukrainian authorities to seek increased support from Western allies as they face new uncertainties over what assistance they can anticipate from an incoming U.S. administration.
Since the onset of war nearly three years ago, after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Russian military has consistently used its advanced air capabilities to target civilian areas throughout Ukraine. The United Nations estimates that over 10,000 Ukrainian civilians have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict.
In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, a 500-kilogram (approximately 1,000 pounds) glide bomb caused significant damage to a high-rise residential building during the night, as reported by regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov. This incident resulted in injuries to at least 25 individuals, including an infant.
Glide bombs, which Ukraine currently lacks effective countermeasures against, are capable of inflicting catastrophic damage on their targets and typically create expansive craters due to the force of the shock wave they generate.
In Odesa, a drone strike attributed to Russia led to the death of one person and injured nine others, as stated by regional Governor Oleh Kiper. Meanwhile, debris from intercepted missiles in the capital city of Kyiv resulted in injuries to four individuals, according to regional Governor Ruslan Kravchenko.
The Ukrainian air force reported that during the nighttime assault, Russia launched a total of 92 drones and five missiles, of which four missiles and 62 drones were successfully intercepted, while an additional 26 drones were neutralized through electronic jamming.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for enhanced military assistance to effectively counter Russian aggression, especially as discussions about the future of Western support arise following Donald Trump’s election as the next U.S. president this week.
“It is crucial to act together and decisively at an international level every time Russia attempts to destroy our way of life,” Zelenskyy conveyed through a Telegram message. “This is the only approach to achieve a fair peace and halt the loss of our people.”
According to the U.K. Defense Ministry, Russia deployed approximately 2,000 drones against Ukraine in October—a one-third increase compared to the previous month—and this marks the third consecutive month in which drone usage has surged significantly.
The report indicates that the rate of Russian attacks has intensified since mid-year, suggesting that these elevated numbers may be set to become a regular occurrence moving forward.
