Over 100 Russian drones active in Ukrainian airspace as military flags aviation strike risk
Russian forces struck 14 Ukrainian regions on Tuesday and continued their attacks overnight into Wednesday, targeting railway infrastructure, ports, and energy facilities, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported.
According to Ukraine's Air Force, Russia launched 139 attack drones overnight, of which 111 were shot down.
Zelenskyy said Russian forces struck residential and railway infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv oblasts, port infrastructure in Odesa Oblast, and energy facilities in Poltava Oblast.
"There are currently more than a hundred Russian drones in our skies, and there may be more waves of drone attacks throughout the day," Zelenskyy warned.
Ukraine's Air Force also reported the redeployment of Russian tactical aviation, which Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said could signal preparations for a large-scale strike on Ukraine. Ihnat urged the public to follow safety protocols.
"We must always be ready. Because ballistic missiles and cruise missiles arrive fast. Everyone needs to remember this and follow basic safety requirements," he said.
Zelenskyy used the update to call for continued international engagement, warning that reduced media coverage of the war emboldens Russia.
"It is important to repel every attack with resilience. It is important to support Ukraine and not remain silent about Russia’s war," the head of state added. “Every time the war disappears from the top of the news, it encourages Russia to become even more savage. It is important that our diplomats implement the agreements we reach at the leaders’ level as quickly as possible. Ukraine needs the capacity to defend itself every day, and only strong joint action can ensure this.”