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Recent reports indicate that Russia has launched a drone and missile attack across Ukraine, escalating tensions in the region. The attack comes shortly after a daring Ukrainian raid successfully destroyed a significant number of Russian strategic bombers, prompting a swift retaliation from Moscow.
The nationwide air raid alert was issued in the early hours of Friday, with explosions rocking the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, for several hours. Air defense systems were activated to repel ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as attack drones. While the air raid alert has been lifted in Kyiv, it remains active in other parts of the country, including western Ukraine and the east.
Unfortunately, the attack resulted in injuries and damage to residential areas, with debris from drones falling over populated areas. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that at least three people were injured, and videos circulating on social media showed buildings engulfed in flames in the capital. Additionally, a residential high-rise was damaged by debris from a drone, prompting a response from emergency services.
The attack targeted multiple cities across Ukraine, with explosions reported as far as Lutsk, located 200km from the Polish border. Ukraine’s air force confirmed that Russian cruise missiles also targeted the city of Ternopil in western Ukraine.
This latest escalation follows a successful Ukrainian operation that destroyed Russian strategic bombers across multiple airfields just days prior. The operation, led by Ukraine’s security service, involved over a hundred drones hidden in trucks that targeted Russian air bases. In response to this attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin informed US President Donald Trump that Russia would retaliate.
President Trump later stated on Truth Social that Putin expressed a strong determination to respond to the Ukrainian raid. As tensions continue to rise in the region, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest developments and monitor the evolving situation in Ukraine. Subscribe to the War in Ukraine myFT Digest for timely updates on this ongoing conflict.
