In a harrowing escalation, Russia has continued its relentless assault on Ukraine for a second consecutive day, marking a significant intensification in the ongoing conflict. Following a record-breaking airstrike the previous day, fresh and substantial strikes were launched early Tuesday, further plunging the nation into crisis.
Ukrainian defense systems were once again on high alert as Russian aircraft were detected unleashing hypersonic missiles. Alongside these aerial attacks, a surge in drone strikes has been reported, intensifying the threat across the entire country. The Ukrainian air defense forces have warned that the nation faces a severe and imminent threat from ballistic missiles.
According to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense, the latest wave of attacks employed long-range, precision-guided munitions—both aerial and naval. Key infrastructure targets, including power stations, have been hit across major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Odesa.
On Monday, residents of Kyiv sought refuge in metro stations amid air raid alerts. The previous night’s assault saw at least six fatalities and numerous injuries, with drones and missiles striking more than half of Ukraine’s regions. The attacks have caused extensive damage to the power grid, leading to widespread blackouts and disruptions to water supplies.
U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attacks as “outrageous” and pledged continued support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Similarly, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy denounced the “cowardly missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure” perpetrated by Russia. The latest round of strikes has resulted in three additional casualties: two individuals were killed in Kryvyi Rih, a city in eastern Ukraine, following a strike on a civilian infrastructure building late Monday. Additionally, one fatality and two injuries were reported in Zaporizhzhia. Local official Yevhen Sytnychenko confirmed significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles in the area. Kryvyi Rih is notably the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Explosions have also been reported in Kyiv, Sumy, Khmelnytsky, and Mykolayiv regions. The deployment of hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, which are notoriously difficult for air defenses to intercept, has added to the severity of the situation.
These recent attacks represent Russia’s attempt to reassert control following Ukraine’s recent territorial gains in the Kursk region. Since launching its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has frequently targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The renewed campaign aims to inflict severe damage on the power grid, leading to persistent blackouts.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Zelensky has urged Western allies, including the UK, the US, and France, to amend their policies to allow Ukraine to use their weaponry for more extensive strikes within Russia. While some Western weapons are available for targeting inside Russia, long-range systems remain restricted. Zelensky emphasized that greater collaboration with European air forces could enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and help protect more lives.
This renewed assault underscores the dire situation faced by Ukraine as it contends with intensified Russian aggression and seeks deeper international support.