In the early hours of Wednesday, Russia launched a massive barrage of missiles and drones targeting Kyiv and nearly a dozen other regions across Ukraine. According to Ukrainian authorities, at least 19 civilians, including four children, were killed and approximately 60 others injured in the attacks. Despite prior intelligence warnings, Ukraine's air defense systems were unable to intercept all incoming threats. In retaliation, Ukraine struck Russian oil facilities.
Severe Devastation in Priluky and Kremenchuk
The heaviest damage occurred in the town of Priluky within the northern Chernihiv region. According to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, an apartment building was completely destroyed, resulting in 13 deaths and nearly 50 injuries, including four children. Rescue operations remain ongoing in Kremenchuk, Poltava region, where two people were killed and seven injured. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that casualties were also reported in Kyiv and three other cities.
Just a day prior, President Zelenskyy warned that intelligence agencies had indicated a large-scale impending attack by Russia. The strikes coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday. Zelenskyy stated on social media that Moscow aimed to inflict maximum pain and psychological distress on the Ukrainian population.
Air Defense Shortages and Retaliation
Ukraine continues to face severe challenges against Russian ballistic missiles due to a shortage of ammunition for US-made Patriot defense systems. With global supplies strained, Ukraine is actively seeking additional air defense packages while developing new interceptors to counter high-altitude Russian jet drones.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry stated its strikes targeted industrial facilities involved in missile and drone production, as well as port infrastructure in Odessa. In response, President Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine used long-range drones to strike two oil facilities and a training ground in Russia's Perm, Samara, and Astrakhan regions.
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