Russia Launches Largest Attack on Ukraine Since Ukrainian Operation Destroyed Russian Bombers

A massive wave of missiles and drones struck Ukraine yesterday, marking the most significant attack since Ukrainian forces destroyed over a dozen Russian strategic bombers thousands of kilometers from the front line. The attack, launched by Russia, reportedly included ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and attack drones, with about 30 missiles destroyed and up to 200 drones shot down. The strikes resulted in the deaths of three first responders in Kyiv and injured over 40 people across the country.

Key Takeaways:

• The attack involved 44 missiles and over 400 drones, making it the largest since the Ukrainian operation that destroyed Russian bombers.
• The Ukrainian air force was able to destroy about 30 missiles and shoot down up to 200 drones.
• The strikes resulted in the deaths of three first responders in Kyiv and injured over 40 people across the country.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the international community to pressure Russia to stop the war, stating that the attack was a moment for the world to come together to end the conflict.
• The Russian attack left nearly 40,000 people without electricity after hitting the city of Chernihiv.
• A Ukrainian operation five days earlier destroyed at least 12 Russian bombers across four airfields, resulting in a promise of retaliation from Russia.
• Russia's defense ministry claimed that all strikes hit their target, including munitions and drone factories, training sites, and repair and storage facilities.

Statistics:

• 44 missiles were fired by Russia during the attack.
• Over 400 drones were launched by Russia during the attack.
• About 30 missiles were destroyed by the Ukrainian air force.
• Up to 200 drones were shot down by the Ukrainian air force.
• Three first responders were killed in Kyiv during the attack.
• Over 40 people were injured across the country due to the attack.
• 40,000 people lost electricity due to the Russian attack on Chernihiv.
• Russia's Central Bank cut its key interest rate by 1% to 20% in response to a cooling war economy.

Sources:

• Russia launches biggest strike since Ukraine blew up Russian bombers, only to be met with silence from the west, Kyiv Independent
• Ukraine says Russia killed three first responders in Kyiv, BBC News
• 'It's going to be a tough winter' say Kyiv residents after Ukraine's declaration that Russian strikes have ended, The Times
• Russia's Central Bank cuts interest rate to 20% as war economy slows, Financial Times