Russia Launches Massive Barrage: Over 70 Missiles, 450 Drones Hit Ukraine
Russia unleashed a massive aerial assault on Ukraine early Friday, firing more than 70 missiles and 450 drones. The attack caused severe damage to energy infrastructure and residential buildings, and struck an iconic Soviet-era World War II memorial in Kyiv.
Key Takeaways
- Russia fired over 70 missiles and 450 drones in a large-scale strike.
- Ukrainian forces intercepted 59 missiles and 58 drones.
- Energy facilities across multiple regions were the primary target, causing widespread power outages.
- The Hall of Glory museum at Kyiv’s Motherland Monument, a WWII memorial, was damaged.
Targeted Assault on Energy Infrastructure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it a “large-scale strike” specifically aimed at energy facilities. “The Russians are trying to repeat this terror every year,” he stated, noting recovery efforts were underway.
Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko confirmed this was “the largest attack on the Ukrainian energy sector in recent times,” damaging thermal and hydroelectric power plants and transmission systems.
Power outages were reported in several regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv.
Damage to Historic WWII Memorial
In a symbolic blow, a missile damaged the Hall of Glory of Ukraine’s WWII History Museum, located at the foot of the 102-meter tall Motherland Monument in Kyiv. The statue was built in 1981 to commemorate the Soviet victory in World War II.
Ukrainian officials strongly condemned the strike. Journalist Tetyana Berezhna posted on X: “The biggest 21st-century aggressor struck a place of memory of the struggle against the biggest 20th-century aggressor,” referencing Nazi Germany.
Context of the Attack
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s energy grid since its full-scale invasion began in February 2022, causing severe hardship for civilians, especially in winter.
The latest barrage comes as Ukraine awaits crucial U.S. military aid, recently approved by Congress after months of delay. Ukrainian forces have been struggling with shortages of ammunition and air defense systems on the front lines.
