Russia conducted a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine on Monday, marking one of the most extensive aerial bombardments since the invasion began in 2022. The coordinated assault, which targeted at least 15 regions, included over 200 missiles and drones. Ukrainian officials reported that the strikes killed seven people, injured at least 47 others, and severely damaged critical infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector. The barrage resulted in widespread power outages and water supply disruptions across multiple regions, including the capital, Kyiv.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the attack utilized 127 missiles and 109 drones, making it one of the most intense assaults in the conflict’s nearly three-year span. Ukrainian air defense managed to intercept 102 missiles and 99 drones, yet many projectiles still reached their targets. “Like most previous Russian strikes, this one was just as vile, targeting critical civilian infrastructure,” Zelensky stated, condemning the attacks as an ongoing attempt to terrorize the Ukrainian populace by targeting essential services.
Currently, across the country, efforts are underway to eliminate the consequences of the Russian strike. This was one of the largest attacks – a combined strike, involving over a hundred missiles of various types and around a hundred “Shaheds.” Like most Russian strikes before,… pic.twitter.com/0qNTGR98rR
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 26, 2024
The assault affected a wide geographical area, with missiles and drones striking regions from the eastern frontline cities of Kharkiv and Dnipro to the southern port city of Odesa, and as far west as Lviv. Kyiv, the nation’s capital, also came under heavy fire, with explosions echoing throughout the city. Power and water supply in Kyiv were severely disrupted, prompting Mayor Vitali Klitschko to urge residents to stay in shelters. “What is happening now in Kyiv is unbelievable horror. Pray for us,” said Kira Rudick, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament.
Ukrainians seek shelter in Kyiv’s Osokorky Metro Station this morning amid one of the heaviest Russian bombardments of the entire war. (Photo: @MargoGontar) pic.twitter.com/SSa0gWAPXs
— Business Ukraine mag (@Biz_Ukraine_Mag) August 26, 2024
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that the strikes had targeted energy infrastructure in more than 15 regions, stating, “The energy infrastructure has once again become the target of Russian terrorists.” He noted that state-owned power grid operator Ukrenergo had to implement emergency power cuts to stabilize the system. Cities such as Kyiv, Dnipro, and parts of western Ukraine experienced prolonged blackouts. In response to the ongoing threat, Shmyhal urged Ukraine’s Western allies to provide long-range weapons and authorize their use against targets inside Russia. “In order to stop the barbaric shelling of Ukrainian cities, it is necessary to destroy the place from which the Russian missiles are launched,” he emphasized.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported that a hydropower plant in the Kyiv region had been struck, with video footage showing a damaged dam and a subsequent fire. Ukrainian authorities also accused Russia of using cluster munitions in some areas, further intensifying the conflict’s brutality. In a separate statement, Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko revealed that the extent of the damage to the energy sector was still being assessed but warned that “the energy sector is in the crosshairs” of Russian attacks.
Russia tried to hit Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant today during missile attack located on the Dnieper River in Vyshhorod, Kyiv region, Central Ukraine.
Damaging the Kyiv HPP could lead to severe flooding of cities and villages downstream along the Dnipro River.
If successful,… pic.twitter.com/cYqACBYRaD
— Clash Report (@clashreport) August 26, 2024
Expanded Coverage:
