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KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s air defense forces engaged in a five-hour conflict against a Russian aerial assault on the capital, Kyiv, overnight, according to officials. The onslaught involved missiles and drones targeting the Ukrainian power grid.
The Ukrainian Emergency Service reported that at least two individuals were injured during the attack. The Kyiv Military Administration stated that damage occurred to a kindergarten, a gas pipeline, and approximately 20 vehicles in the city.
In a separate incident in western Ukraine, the air force indicated that Russia launched three Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles toward Starokostiantyniv in the Khmelnytskyi region early Thursday morning. The air force refrained from releasing additional details, implying that the missiles were directed at a sensitive location.
These long-range attacks have become a defining feature of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, which is now significantly into its third year, frequently resulting in the targeting of civilian areas. The United Nations reports that strikes on energy infrastructure have decimated about 70% of Ukraine’s energy production capabilities, exacerbating energy shortages as winter approaches, leading to increased blackouts.
Given the urgent need for effective air defense systems, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was set to meet with President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday to secure ongoing U.S. military assistance.
The attack also affected energy facilities in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region, leading to blackouts in parts of the regional capital, as reported by regional Governor Svitlana Onyshchuk.
In addition, local authorities noted that the southern Mykolaiv region’s power grid was targeted as well, although details were not immediately disclosed.
Reports indicate that during the overnight assault from Wednesday to Thursday, Russia launched six missiles and 78 Shahed drones against Ukraine. The air force confirmed that Ukrainian defenses intercepted and destroyed four missiles and 66 drones.
In the southern Odesa region, a missile strike resulted in the death of a 62-year-old woman, with damage reported to homes and vehicles in the area, according to regional Governor Oleh Kiper.
The city of Zaporizhzhia experienced significant impact from the overnight attacks, injuring at least 10 individuals, including a 14-year-old. Regional governor Ivan Fedorov shared images showcasing houses with shattered windows and walls marred by shrapnel. The Emergency Service indicated that 12 residential buildings were harmed, necessitating the evacuation of 18 residents.
Additionally, in the northeastern Sumy region, ordnance experts successfully defused a 500-kilogram glide bomb that had landed without detonating near a bridge over the River Psel.
For continuous updates on the conflict in Ukraine, follow the coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
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