Russia launched a heavy attack on Ukrainian ports, industrial sites, and retailers’ distribution centers using missiles and drones in a sustained assault on Kyiv and other cities, according to Ukrainian officials on Thursday. Commuters in the capital witnessed air defense systems engaging waves of drones following an overnight bombardment that included ballistic missiles and 258 drones, as reported by Ukraine’s military.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia conducted a significant strike targeting various infrastructure such as ports, grain storage, energy, and industry with ballistic and hypersonic missiles along with combat drones. The Ukrainian military claimed to have successfully intercepted seven ballistic missiles, showing improved defense capabilities, especially after receiving a batch of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors.
As part of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia reported being under fire overnight, with a drone attack temporarily shutting down a logistics complex operated by online retailer Ozon in Ufa. Ukraine, in response, targeted multiple Ozon facilities in a campaign against e-commerce companies supporting Russia’s war efforts.
Allies, including Britain, pledged further support to Ukraine, with the promise of providing classified technology for Kyiv to produce Storm Shadow cruise missiles. In a cautionary move, Moscow warned of potential strikes on British military targets both inside and outside of Ukraine in retaliation to Ukrainian attacks utilizing British weapons.
Air-raid sirens continued to sound in Kyiv as attack drones flew over various neighborhoods, resulting in injuries to four individuals. In Kharkiv, one person was killed and two were injured in an attack on a shopping center. The strikes also hit a distribution center for Ukrainian retailer COMFY in the Kyiv area and destroyed a distribution center for a prominent toy company, as confirmed by their respective CEOs on social media.
Russian attacks extended to industrial sites, energy facilities, and infrastructure in regions like Poltava, Odesa, and Kryvyi Rih, causing train delays and passenger inconveniences. Additionally, six Russian drones breached Moldova’s airspace, leading to Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemning the act of intimidation.
One of the drones was discovered on Moldovan territory, further escalating tensions in the region.