Russia pounds Ukraine in heaviest wartime drone attack over 2 days

Key Points:

• Russia launched its largest aerial attack since the start of the war in Ukraine, deploying over 1,560 drones and 56 missiles in a two-day period targeting Kyiv and other cities, resulting in at least 11 deaths and widespread damage.
• Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a significant number of the incoming threats, shooting down 41 missiles and 652 drones, but the strikes still caused damage to over 180 facilities, including more than 50 residential buildings.
• Kyiv was heavily affected, with damage reported at 20 locations and about 40 people wounded; emergency workers are still searching for missing persons after a drone strike destroyed part of a nine-story residential building.
• The attacks disrupted essential services, including water and electricity supplies in multiple regions, and targeted infrastructure such as ports and railways, complicating humanitarian efforts amid ongoing conflict.
• Ukrainian officials emphasized the need for continued international support for air defense and increased pressure on Russia to end the war, with allies like the UK pledging expedited delivery of air-defense aid.