Russia carried out its largest drone attack on Ukraine overnight Monday into Tuesday, deploying 188 drones across 17 regions, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Ukrainian forces shot down 76 of the drones, but several struck critical infrastructure, leaving significant damage and power outages, especially in western Ukraine. Residential buildings were also hit, though no casualties were reported.
In the western Ternopil region, 70% of residents lost power due to damage to the energy grid. In Kyiv, air raid alerts lasted more than seven hours, reflecting the intensity of the assault. Ukrainian officials described the strikes as part of Russia’s effort to weaken air defenses and pressure civilians.
Last night, Russia attacked Ukraine, launching a record number of strike drones—188—against our people. I want to thank our defenders of the sky for repelling the attack. Around 80 drones were shot down, and more than 90 were lost due to location disruption.
Unfortunately, there… pic.twitter.com/o701zePjHd
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 26, 2024
In response, Ukraine struck targets within Russia using U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles. The attacks, which hit military sites in Russia’s Kursk region on Saturday and Monday, caused damage to an airbase and an air defense system. The Russian Defense Ministry admitted to injuries and equipment damage.
Both nations are increasingly relying on air strikes as ground combat stalls. Russia has intensified its use of drones and missiles, while Ukraine has targeted deeper into Russian territory using Western-supplied weapons like ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles.
On the frontlines, Ukrainian forces face manpower challenges, while Russia has made incremental advances in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, threatening supply routes. Russia also confirmed the capture of a British volunteer fighter, James Scott Rhys Anderson, who is being held on charges of participating in hostilities. The U.K. government has pledged support for the detainee.
