Heavy Fighting in Eastern Ukraine as Russia Launches Major Air Assault

Russia launched a large-scale combined attack across Ukraine, employing a barrage of drones and missiles. While Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept a significant portion of the incoming threats, some projectiles breached defenses, causing casualties and damage. Official reports indicate that out of 656 various long-range attack drones, 602 were neutralized. Similarly, 11 out of 30 ballistic missiles were shot down, and 26 out of 27 "Kh101" cruise missiles were intercepted. However, all 8 "Zircon" anti-ship missiles reportedly bypassed defenses.

The attacks primarily targeted Kyiv and Dnipro, cities with millions of inhabitants. Despite the effectiveness of air defense systems, the sheer volume of attacks and falling debris resulted in civilian casualties, with at least 12 deaths and dozens injured reported. Power supply disruptions occurred in Kyiv following the strikes.

In response, Ukrainian forces conducted retaliatory strikes targeting Russian infrastructure. Attacks were reported on the Ilsk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, causing a large fire. Ukrainian forces also targeted infrastructure in Crimea, including Sevastopol and the Dzhankoy railway station. Additionally, the Belgorod region in Russia was targeted, with explosions near the Alekseyevka railway station, a key logistical hub for Russian forces in the Kupyansk sector.

Meanwhile, heavy fighting persists in eastern Ukraine. In the Donetsk region, intense battles are ongoing around Kostyantynivka, with Russian forces reportedly entering the southwestern outskirts but failing to establish a firm foothold. Ukrainian defenses are holding firm in other areas, including Pokrovsk and Iskra. In the Zaporizhzhia region, Russian forces are attempting to stabilize their positions after reported losses, intensifying attacks in certain sectors.