Ukraine announced on Wednesday that Russia has conducted the largest-ever drone and missile attack since the full-scale invasion began over three years ago, primarily targeting the western part of the country.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 728 drones and 13 missiles. Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted 711 drones, and at least seven missiles were destroyed, according to AFP.
“This is a demonstrative attack, which occurred precisely at a time when so many efforts are being made to achieve peace, to achieve a ceasefire. But only Russia continues to undermine them,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media.
He urged allies to intensify sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting its energy sector, which serves as a crucial revenue stream for Russia’s war chest. “Our partners know how to apply pressure in a way that will force Russia to think about ending the war, and not about carrying out new attacks,” Zelensky added.
In the western city of Lutsk, Mayor Igor Polishchuk confirmed that fires broke out at an “enterprise,” but no deaths or injuries have been reported.
This latest assault surpasses Russia’s previous record of 550 drones and missiles launched earlier this month. The attack also comes after the United States shifted its stance regarding the reduction of arms supplies to Ukraine.
“Russia carried out this attack after the USA publicly declared that it would supply us with weapons,” said Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to the Ukrainian president, on social media.
