Russia’s Unprecedented Aerial Assault on Ukraine: Unraveling the Impact

 

Russia has launched its most massive air bombardment on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion, in a startling escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian confrontation. This development represents a watershed moment, with ramifications felt throughout the war-torn country.

Unprecedented Aerial Attack
The scale of the onslaught is mind-boggling, with the Ukrainian military reporting a bombardment of 158 drones and missiles aimed at strategic areas. Hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, cruise missiles, and Shahed drones are among the weapons used. The strikes, which began overnight into Friday, have had a devastating toll, with at least 26 people killed and over 120 injured.

National Reach
The attacks were carried out with merciless precision in numerous places across Ukraine. The invasion has left a trail of damage from the capital Kyiv to the center city of Dnipro, the eastern city of Kharkiv, the southeastern port of Odesa, and the western city of Lviv. The ongoing strikes on Friday highlight the gravity of the situation.

Ukrainian Reaction and President Zelensky’s Promise
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the attacks, calling them “terrorist strikes,” and said Russia used “nearly every type of weapon in its arsenal,” pledging a strong military reaction. The scale and fury of the assault mark a shift from prior clashes, prompting Zelensky to declare Ukraine’s will to defend itself.