Russia Launches Record Missile and Shahed Drone. Photo Credit: thehindu
Russia last night unleashed a massive aerial offensive on Kyiv, launching a record-breaking 550 drones and missiles, including 539 Shahed kamikaze drones and 11 ballistic missiles, in what has been described as the largest missile and Shahed drone barrage since the war began. According to The Hindu the escalation left 23 people injured and caused severe damage across multiple districts of the capital.
A Night of Terror Over the Capital
The seven-hour onslaught began soon after President Putin spoke with former U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy to condemn the timing as a deliberate sign that Russia has no genuine plans for peace. Ukrainian air defenses mounted a fierce response, successfully shooting down approximately 270 threats, including drones and missiles. However, the remainder reached their targets, triggering fires and structural damage throughout the city.
Eyewitnesses describe a blinding display of explosions and roaring sirens as the city endured a violent night. In Kyiv’s Solomianskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts, Shahed debris ignited fires in residential buildings and garages. The metro network became an emergency shelter as families sought refuge underground. Kyiv’s mayor confirmed that 14 of the injured were hospitalised, with the rest receiving ambulatory treatment.
Railways and Infrastructure Hit
The barrage didn’t spare essential services. Parts of Kyiv’s railway infrastructure were struck, causing a disruption of train services and sparking a cascading impact on daily commutes. Fires erupted in multiple districts, including at least five of the capital’s ten boroughs. Local news reported damage to apartment blocks, a medical facility, warehouses, and even a garage complex—heightening concerns over civilian vulnerability.
Tactical and Political Calculations
The scale of the raid— 550 unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic systems—marks the largest overnight aerial strike Ukraine has faced since the conflict began more than three years ago. It’s seen as a concerted bid to break through Ukraine’s frontlines amid strategic Russian advances elsewhere.
The attack struck at the same time as a high-profile conversation between Putin and Trump, suggesting a psychological tactic by Moscow. Trump later expressed dismay, stating Putin appeared “not looking to stop” the war, while Russian officials defended the operation, asserting it targeted only military infrastructure.
Impact of Western Arms Pause
The intensification comes amid a temporary pause in U.S. shipments of key air-defence missiles, including those for Patriot systems. This decision, made by Washington, is viewed by Ukrainian officials as weakening the country’s defence nodes. The air assault highlighted this vulnerability, prompting calls for immediate resumption of air-defence aid from Western allies.
Ukraine has since escalated domestic arms production and deployed interceptor drones, reportedly neutralising dozens of incoming Shaheds. Nation-wide, the coordinated strike left the capital reeling but also rallied public and political support for renewed international military backing.
Ukraine’s Call for Support
Ukraine now calls on its allies to replenish depleted air defence systems and ramp up sanctions against Russia. President Zelenskyy described the attack as a “deliberate act of terror.” He urged the global community to deliver stronger systems like SAM and Patriot batteries—warning that delays could embolden further Russian aggression.
Despite the massive assault, the Ukrainian military’s response was notable. Air-defence crews intercepted most of the threats; drones downed enemy kamikazes. Kyiv officials report that while damage is substantial, there were no reported fatalities—offering a glimmer of relief amid a night of chaos.
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