Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Strike Against Russia with Over 200 Drones

UA
Published:

In a significant escalation of hostilities, the Ukrainian military has executed their largest drone and missile attack to date, targeting key installations deep within Russian territory. The unprecedented offensive, which occurred overnight on Tuesday, involved the use of more than 200 long-range drones, including a newly developed type called "Peklo," meaning "hell" in Ukrainian.

Ukrainian forces aimed at disrupting Russian air defenses while hitting strategic industrial sites across at least seven Russian provinces. Videos from the attack surfaced online, showcasing the destruction, including a fire at an oil refinery in Saratov. This drone strike marks a historic moment, as Russian officials recognized it as the largest single night of drone deploys against them, surpassing their previous record of 188 drones in one night.

Reports indicate that the attack was accompanied by at least six U.S. Atacms missiles and British Storm Shadow cruise missiles, capitalizing on the ranges allowed after U.S. President Joe Biden lifted restrictions on such strikes last November. However, Ukraine's access to these sophisticated weapons remains limited, with only a handful of Atacms in stock.

The latest wave of Ukrainian drone strikes focused on chemical and metal factories believed to be supplying Russia's military sector. These attacks come as Russia's military operation continues to advance, despite the disruption caused by the raids.

The implications of Ukraine's drone campaign have significant repercussions for Russian military capabilities and its economy. While these assaults showcase Ukraine's ability to deliver substantial strikes within Russia, they also highlight the Kremlin's struggles to neutralize Ukrainian advancements, which could lead to increased momentum for peace negotiations in the future.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from Ukraine

Ukraine Develops Countermeasure System Against Advanced Russian Drones

Ukraine's Magyar Birds drone unit has reportedly devised an innovative countermeasure system to combat Russian fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones, which are increasingly being used as effective weapons on the battlefield. According to commander Robert Brovdi, the unit utilizes mobile radars to detect incoming drones, allowing them to launch their own drones for interception before the Russian drones can hit their targets. Brovdi shared a video on Telegram showing one of their drones destroying a Russian FPV drone, emphasizing that they have developed functioning options for both detection and destruction. The fiber-optic technology used by the Russian drones, which connects them directly to controllers preventing jamming, has made them particularly formidable. Brovdi has urged for a faster deployment of mobile radar systems along the front lines to improve early warning capabilities against these fast-moving threats. This development highlights the evolving dynamic of drone warfare in the conflict, where both Ukrainian and Russian forces have relied heavily on drones for reconnaissance and attacks since the onset of the war.
UA

Russian Bombing Claims Lives of Three Generations in Zaporizhzhia

In a devastating incident in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, a Russian bombing on November 7, 2022, killed three members of a single family: Sophiia Buhayova, 27, her 17-month-old son Adam Buhayov, and Tetiana Tarasevych, 68. According to BBC correspondent Orla Guerin, the family was at home when a guided aerial bomb struck their apartment block, resulting in their deaths and that of six other civilians. Yuliia Tarasevych, Sophiia's mother, expressed her profound grief, stating, "I lost my mother, my daughter, and my grandson in one second." She shared that some of Adam's final moments were filmed by Tetiana as they enjoyed a walk prior to the attack. As the war in Ukraine continues to escalate, Yuliia visited the cemetery where her loved ones are buried, lamenting, "It’s hell on earth." As international focus on the conflict wanes, both Yuliia and her husband Serhiy emphasize the necessity for Ukraine to resist Russian aggression. They fear that any calls for negotiations, especially amid changing political tides, could undermine their fight for sovereignty.
UA

Ukraine Enlists Released Convicts in Military Effort Against Russia

Ukraine has initiated a significant prisoner recruitment drive, releasing around 100 inmates to join the 129 Brigade, where they are training to operate drones. This initiative, which began in May 2024, has seen approximately 6,800 inmates enlist in the armed forces, according to the Ukrainian government. Valery, a 28-year-old who accidentally killed a friend in a car crash, expressed his motivation to defend his country, stating that leaving prison felt like being "born again." Not all convicts are eligible for this opportunity, as those convicted of serious crimes, including murder and sexual offenses, are excluded. Most released criminals are directed to infantry roles; however, the 129 Brigade offers specialized training in drone operation. As noted by Anatoly, the commander of the brigade’s prisoner unit, this influx of convicts helps alleviate pressure on other soldiers, allowing for critical rest. Despite the risks, including a recent loss of 17 soldiers under his command, Anatoly praised the bravery demonstrated by the former prisoners, emphasizing their commitment to serve Ukraine.
UA
All Ukraine News ->