Credited from: REUTERS
Russia executed a large-scale **air attack on Ukraine** that involved launching more than **500 drones and missiles** overnight, resulting in injuries to several civilians and damage to critical infrastructure. Ukrainian air force officials reported downing **430 drones and 21 missiles**, with **three missiles and 69 drones** impacting various locations across Ukraine, notably in regions such as Kyiv, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk, where air raid alerts sounded for hours, according to Reuters, India Times, and ABC News.
The **assaults resulted in significant civilian impacts**, including injuries to at least four railway workers in Ukraine's Kirovohrad region, which led to service delays of up to seven hours. Public transport and energy facilities were notably affected, as fires broke out and power supplies were disrupted for around **30,000 consumers** in several regions. These developments unfolded as President **Vladimir Putin attended a military parade** in Beijing, a backdrop that provided context for the aggressive military actions, according to Reuters and India Times.
The **nature of the attacks** has prompted NATO to activate its defensive capabilities, scrambling jets in Poland to bolster air security measures in response to the Russian strikes, as confirmed by military communications from the Polish Armed Forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr **Zelenskyy** referred to the situation as an "open disregard by Russia" for international efforts to cease the conflict, emphasizing the need for substantial pressure on the Russian war economy to curtail such aggression, according to ABC News.