Russia launches major assault on Ukraine

On Monday, Russia executed a significant drone and missile attack affecting over half of Ukraine’s regions, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Various weapons, including drones, cruise missiles, and Kinzhal supersonic missiles, were used, resulting in casualties and fatalities. Ukrainian forces shot down 102 of 127 missiles and 99 of 109 drones, with the attacks described as potentially the largest air assault in the two-and-a-half-year war, detailed by the Ukrainian Air Force Chief Mykola Oleshchuk. President Volodymyr Zelenskyj characterized the attacks as targeting critical infrastructure. At least five people were killed, with 15 Ukrainian regions affected. The capital Kyiv experienced disruptions to water and electricity, and regional authorities reported strikes on energy facilities and infrastructure. As a response, Polish and allied forces activated their aircraft, with searches underway for a possible drone entering Polish airspace. Prior to the attack, the US Embassy had warned of increased risks around Ukrainian Independence Day.