Zelenskyy says Russia has stepped up missile and UAV attacks on Ukraine

(CLO) On November 17, Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, described as the largest attack in recent months.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia had launched a total of 120 missiles and 90 drones in a large-scale attack across Ukraine. Various types of drones were deployed, as well as cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and air-launched ballistic missiles.

He said Ukrainian defense forces had shot down 140 air targets. "The enemy's targets were energy infrastructure throughout Ukraine. There was damage to infrastructure due to shelling and falling debris," Mr Zelenskyy said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: AP

According to the head of the Kiev City Military Administration Serhii Popko, the combined attack by drones and missiles was the strongest in three months.

Explosions were heard across Ukraine on November 17, including the capital Kiev, the main southern port of Odessa, as well as western and central regions of the country, according to local reports.

A thermal power plant operated by private energy company DTEK was “severely damaged,” the company said on Telegram.

Polish and allied aircraft, including fighter jets, have been deployed in Polish airspace because of Russia's massive offensive against neighboring Ukraine, the Polish Armed Forces' operational command said. The steps are aimed at ensuring safety in Poland's border areas.

Russian attacks have hit Ukraine’s power infrastructure hard since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, leading to intermittent emergency power cuts and rolling blackouts across the country. Ukrainian officials have frequently urged Western allies to help the country bolster its air defenses to fend off the attacks.

Ngoc Anh (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-zelenskyy-noi-nga-tang-cuong-tan-cong-ten-lua-va-uav-vao-ukraine-post321736.html