Russia launched a significant attack on Ukrainian ports, industrial areas, and retailers’ distribution facilities using missiles and drones in an extensive assault on Kyiv and other cities, as per Ukrainian officials on Thursday. Commuters in the capital witnessed air defenses firing at drones after an overnight onslaught that included ballistic missiles and 258 drones, according to Ukraine’s military. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia targeted various infrastructure such as ports, grain storage, energy, and industry with ballistic and hypersonic missiles and combat drones.
The Ukrainian military reported shooting down seven ballistic missiles, showing an improved success rate following the receipt of a small batch of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors. These interceptors are capable of taking down fast-moving ballistic missiles that are challenging to intercept. However, Ukraine’s limited supply has increased its vulnerability to Russia’s escalating air warfare.
In response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow claimed it had faced attacks overnight, including a drone strike that temporarily closed an online retailer Ozon logistics complex in Ufa. Ukrainian forces targeted several Ozon facilities in a campaign against e-commerce giants supporting Russia’s war effort.
Ukraine received additional support pledges from allies like Britain, offering classified technology access to help start the production of Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Moscow issued a warning that it could retaliate against British military targets inside and outside Ukraine if Ukraine uses British weapons in attacks on Russian territory.
Air-raid sirens blared in Kyiv as attack drones flew over various neighborhoods, resulting in debris injuring four individuals. In Kharkiv, one person died and two were injured during a shopping center attack. The strikes also hit a distribution center for major Ukrainian retailer COMFY and destroyed a distribution center for a leading toy company, as confirmed by their CEOs on social media. Roshen, a prominent chocolate company founded by former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, reported the destruction of one of its warehouses near Kyiv.
Russian strikes targeted industrial sites, energy facilities, and infrastructure in regions like Poltava, Odesa, and Kryvyi Rih, causing delays in train services and leaving passengers stranded. Additionally, six Russian drones breached Moldova’s airspace, with one found on Moldovan territory, leading Moldovan President Maia Sandu to condemn the intrusion strongly.