Skip to content

Russia launches unprecedented drone assault on Ukraine, setting a new record

Russia initiates large-scale drone operation for the first time, resulting in casualties, injuries, and widespread destruction. Notably, a government building experiences damage for the first time.

Russia bombards Ukraine with an unprecedented number of drone strikes
Russia bombards Ukraine with an unprecedented number of drone strikes

Russia launches unprecedented drone assault on Ukraine, setting a new record

In a troubling turn of events, Ukraine has been subjected to a series of attacks over the past day, with the government building in Kyiv being targeted for the first time.

The main government building in the capital city sustained damage after cruises missiles and rockets were launched, according to reports. Prime Minister Julia Swyrydenko confirmed that while the building's interior remained untouched, the roof and upper floors were affected by enemy fire. Fortunately, no one was injured within the government building.

The assaults did not stop there. Explosions allegedly at the Ilsky oil refinery in the Russian region of Krasnodar were captured on unverifiable videos circulating on social media. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for this attack, stating it as a strategic move against the supply of petroleum products to the Russian army.

The crisis committee of the Krasnodar region reported that falling drone debris landed on the refinery's premises, causing a technical facility to catch fire and be quickly extinguished.

Tragically, these attacks have claimed the lives of four people and injured dozens in Kyiv alone. A mother and her three-month-old son were killed in a residential building attack, while the father was seriously injured. More civilians were also killed and injured in attacks in other cities, including Sumy, Chernihiv, Kryvyj Rih, and Odessa.

In response to these events, EU Council President AntΓ³nio Costa stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin's version of peace involves intensifying bombardments and targeting government buildings and residential homes. This statement adds to the growing international concern over the escalating conflict.

EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas, French President Emmanuel Macron, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed their condolences to Ukraine. However, a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to end the war is currently little realistic.

In a bid to hold Russia accountable, Prime Minister Julia Swyrydenko called for consequences for Russia and the implementation of agreements made in Paris to stop the killing. Meanwhile, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary were not affected by the overnight attack.

Amidst these attacks, the government of Ukraine has vowed to continue functioning. The railway bridge over the Dnipro River in Kremenchuk is out of operation due to Russian attacks, causing delays in train traffic and the need for substitute bus services. Despite these challenges, the government remains resolute in its efforts to maintain normalcy.

As the conflict continues, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this devastating situation.

Read also: