Russia Launches Largest Drone Missile Strike on Ukraine to Date
In the early hours of Saturday, Russia carried out its largest drone missile strike on Ukraine so far, launching 653 drones and 51 missiles. The attack coincided with Ukraine’s Armed Forces Day, making it both symbolically and strategically significant. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that it successfully shot down 585 drones and 30 missiles, but the strike impacted 29 locations.
Experts noted that this operation involved a total of 704 aerial weapons, making it the second-largest strike after the 705-weapon attack at the end of October. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia primarily targeted energy infrastructure, affecting millions of people. The Fastiv railway station near the capital sustained severe damage, disrupting several train services.
NATO Fighter Jets Deployed in Poland
In response to the strike, Poland quickly deployed NATO fighter jets. The mission involved air forces from Spain, the Czech Republic, Germany, and the Netherlands. During the four-hour operation, no airspace violations occurred, but alerts were heightened in border areas.
Reports also emerged of Russian drones spotted over Lviv and other western regions of Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of ignoring peace talks while escalating attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Energy Crisis and Widespread Damage
The Russian drone missile attack severely affected Ukraine’s energy network. At least three people were injured in the Kyiv region, while more than eight injuries were reported nationwide. In Odesa, a power plant was heavily damaged, leaving nearly 9,500 people without heating and 34,000 without water.
Energy facilities were also damaged in Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Zelensky called on the international community for strict sanctions against Russia and additional air defense support. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed it had shot down 121 Ukrainian drones.
A New Phase of Drone Warfare
Experts consider Russia’s latest drone missile strike as the beginning of a new phase in drone warfare. Since July, Russia has launched over 6,400 drones and missiles. The latest assault included Shahed-type drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Analysts say Russia aims to weaken Ukraine’s energy supply during winter, impacting both civilian life and industrial production.
Although Ukraine’s air defenses have managed to intercept hundreds of attacks, resource shortages and sustained pressure are testing its resilience. NATO vigilance and responses from Western countries indicate that this conflict has grown beyond a regional issue, becoming a focal point of international tension.
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