Drone Warfare Escalates Russia Unleashes 600 on Ukraine

Tragedy Strikes: Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack on Ukraine, Claiming Two Lives

In a harrowing turn of events, Ukraine endured another night of relentless attacks as Russia unleashed a barrage of nearly **600 drones** and over two dozen cruise missiles. The assault, which targeted various regions across the country, resulted in the tragic loss of at least two lives and left many more injured.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the fatalities occurred in Chernivtsi, southwestern Ukraine, and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. "My condolences to their families and loved ones," Zelenskyy stated in a somber social media post. "Around **20 more people injured** in the attack are receiving all the necessary assistance." The scope of the attack extended from Kharkiv and Sumy in the east to Lviv in the west, demonstrating the widespread nature of the assault.

According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, the Russian military deployed a staggering **597 attack drones and 26 cruise missiles** during the overnight offensive. While Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept a significant portion of the incoming threats, the sheer volume of the attack proved challenging.

Here's a breakdown of Ukraine's defense efforts:

• **319 drones were successfully shot down.**
• **25 cruise missiles were intercepted.**
• **258 drones were suppressed by electronic warfare.**

In response, Russia's Ministry of Defense issued a statement claiming responsibility for the "group strike with long-range air-based high-precision weapons and drones." The ministry asserted that the targets were Ukrainian defense industry assets and a military airfield. The recent surge in Russian aerial attacks has put immense strain on Ukraine's defenses and civilian population.

President Zelenskyy has urgently called for stronger international action to counter Russia's aggression. He emphasized the need for:

• **Tough sanctions on countries assisting Russia in drone production.**
• **Sanctions on entities purchasing Russian oil.**
• **Increased supply of advanced air-defense systems to protect Ukraine.**

"This war can only be stopped through strength," Zelenskyy declared, urging Ukraine's partners to move beyond mere signals of support and take decisive actions to save lives.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyha highlighted that Western Ukraine was particularly hard-hit in the recent strikes. "This attack is another reminder to the world that the enemy is not going to stop," he stated, underscoring the persistent threat faced by the Ukrainian people.

The relentless attacks serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict's devastating impact on Ukraine. As the international community grapples with how to respond, the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people remain unwavering. The call for stronger sanctions and increased support for Ukraine's defense capabilities grows louder, echoing the urgent need for a swift and decisive end to the violence.

Tags: Russia Ukraine war, Ukraine attack, Russian strikes, Kyiv, Drones, 2 dead, Overnight attack, Lviv, Ukraine invasion, Conflict

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/russian-strike-on-ukraine-overnight-600-drones/story?id=123697825