Ukraine Faces Deadliest Night in Three Years

New Delhi : Ukraine experienced what is being described as its deadliest and most terrifying night in three years, as Russia launched its largest-ever drone and missile attack on Ukrainian territory. According to Ukrainian officials, the assault involved a staggering 479 drones and 20 missiles aimed at various cities across the country. The overnight barrage caused widespread damage and panic among civilians.

In response, Ukraine’s air defense systems were activated on a large scale. Ukrainian authorities reported that they successfully intercepted and destroyed 277 of the incoming drones and 19 of the missiles. Despite this, many drones and at least one missile managed to reach their targets, resulting in significant destruction in several urban areas. Residential buildings, power infrastructure, and transportation networks were among the key sites hit, causing blackouts and disrupting essential services.

The Ukrainian military also retaliated, launching dozens of missiles targeting Russian regions. Although the full extent of the counterattacks is still being assessed, early reports suggest that some Russian military and logistical facilities were impacted.

This intense exchange marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict, underscoring the growing intensity of Russia’s aerial warfare strategy. The scale of the drone assault highlights Russia’s increasing reliance on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to conduct large-scale strikes, often in combination with traditional missile attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, calling it a “night of terror” and reiterating Ukraine’s urgent need for advanced air defense systems from its Western allies. He warned that such attacks aim to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people and cripple the country’s critical infrastructure ahead of winter.

Meanwhile, international reactions poured in, with several Western nations expressing solidarity with Ukraine and condemning Russia’s escalating tactics. Calls for increased sanctions on Russia and expedited delivery of defense equipment to Ukraine have grown louder following the attack.

For many Ukrainians, the night served as a grim reminder of the relentless threat they continue to face. Emergency services are now working around the clock to restore power and repair damaged infrastructure, while the military remains on high alert for potential follow-up attacks.

As the war drags on, this unprecedented assault marks a new chapter in the conflict, with both sides intensifying their strikes amid mounting international concern.