In a major escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia launched a record 188 drones towards Ukraine in a single overnight attack, targeting 17 regions. The Ukrainian air force reported that most of the drones were intercepted, but the assault caused significant damage, including destruction to apartment buildings and critical infrastructure like the national power grid. Recovery efforts continue in the Ternopil region, which was heavily impacted by the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike, calling it evidence of Russia’s detachment from peace efforts. “Nearly two hundred Russian drones in one day – that is nearly two hundred proofs that Russian ambitions are utterly detached from any ideas of real peace,” Zelenskyy stated in his daily address.
The attack also included a deadly strike on a service station in Sumy, killing at least two people and damaging a residential building and a kindergarten. Zelenskyy revealed that the missile attack was likely carried out with a multiple rocket launch system and reiterated that the only way to defend against such assaults is to target and destroy Russian launch systems on Russian soil.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military has also escalated its use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike deeper into Russian territory. On November 19, Kyiv used these long-range missiles to target Russian air defense systems in the Kursk region. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the attack, acknowledging that five missiles were fired, three of which were intercepted. The strike caused damage to a radar system and left several Russian servicemen injured.
Ukraine launched another round of ATACMS missiles on Monday, with seven of the eight missiles being intercepted. However, one missile successfully hit its target, causing minor damage, and two Russian soldiers were reported injured. The ongoing missile and drone strikes reflect the intensifying nature of the conflict, as both sides target key military infrastructure.
