In an apparent sharp escalation of hostilities, Russia launched an aerial attack on Ukraine overnight that used 315 drones as well as seven missiles that targeted various objectives in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian leader has renewed his calls for Washington to use its influence in persuading Moscow to enter peace negotiations.
Ukrainian air defence also proved to be very effective as they destroyed 284 drones and all seven missiles that were heading towards it during the attack, according to military officials. The city of Kyiv was the most targeted by the Russian forces, as it was the main target of the attack.
Despite the largely successful defense measure, there were victims in the southern seaport city of Odesa, where drone strikes killed at least two and wounded several residents, Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov said.
The war saw the mutual response as Ukraine had also operated drones against Russian land. The attacks led to the temporary shutting down of all airports used by Moscow and St Petersburg, although Russian officials stated the attacks caused no significant infrastructure damage or casualty.
The exchange is another installment in the current war which continues to affect civilian populations and infrastructure across both sides, the military capabilities of each nation being put to the test through continuous aerial operations.
