Russia Intensifies Aerial Onslaught on Ukraine, Employing Rockets and Drones in a Sweeping Attack
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Russia conducted a vast aerial offensive against Ukraine on December 29, 2023, deploying an arsenal of rockets and drones in what is being described as one of the most extensive aerial bombardments since the war began. The onslaught targeted multiple cities and critical infrastructure, leaving a trail of destruction that included schools, hospitals, and residential buildings.
Details of the attack are as follows:
– Authorities reported that over 110 rockets and drones were launched, with the majority being intercepted by Ukraine’s air defenses.
– Civilian casualties were significant, with at least 31 people killed and upwards of 150 injured in the attacks.
– The strikes were widespread, hitting major urban centers such as Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Lviv.
The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged conducting 50 strikes using what it termed “precision weapons.” However, it refrained from acknowledging any impact on civilian sites. Moscow’s narrative has consistently downplayed or denied the targeting of civilian infrastructure, a claim that stands in stark contrast to the mounting evidence of civilian harm and urban devastation.
In a somber address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the assault as a near-exhaustive use of Russia’s military capabilities, noting that the attack included an array of ballistic and cruise missiles. The Ukrainian air force detailed that the Russian offensive comprised 158 drones and missiles, among them the hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, cruise missiles, and Shahed drones.
This severe escalation in Russian military aggression comes on the heels of a Ukrainian strike that inflicted significant damage on a Russian Navy landing ship. The international community, particularly Western nations, has vocally condemned the attacks. Ukrainian leaders continue to appeal for more robust air defense systems from their allies, underscoring the dire need for enhanced defensive measures and sustained support from the global community in the face of relentless conflict.