Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine, firing 93 missiles and almost 200 drones, as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky described it as one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago.
Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year, Mr Zelensyy said.
Russia is “terrorizing millions of people” with such assaults, he said on his Telegram channel, renewing his plea for international unity against Russian president Vladimir Putin.
“A strong reaction from the world is needed: a massive strike – a massive reaction. This is the only way to stop terror,” Mr Zelensky said.
It comes as Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte warned that Vladimir Putin wants to “wipe Ukraine off the map” and could come after other parts of Europe next as he called for the alliance to adopt a wartime mindset.
Talking to security experts and analysts in Brussels, Mr Rutte warned of the prospect that Russia might try to use “swarms of drones” in Europe after seeing their deadly impact in Ukraine.
Moscow is preparing for a long-term confrontation with Ukraine and Nato, he said, adding that the Russian president “is trying to crush our freedom and way of life”.
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Tom Watling13 December 2024 10:22
In pictures: Ukrainians on the frontline
Tom Watling13 December 2024 09:32
Russia launches a massive aerial attack against Ukraine with dozens of cruise missiles and drones
Tom Watling13 December 2024 09:09
In pictures: Ukrainians shelter from massive Russian aerial attack
Tom Watling13 December 2024 08:53
Russia launched nearly 300 drones and missiles at Ukraine, says Zelensky
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said Russia fired nearly 300 missiles and drones at Ukraine overnight, including at least one North Korean missile.
“The world can stop this madness, and to do so, it must first stop the madness in Moscow that has been ordering terror for over 20 years,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Strength is what is needed.”
His comments came as industry sources in the energy sector said Russia had dealt “serious damage” to a thermal power plant, though they did not provide details of which plant.
You can see Mr Zelensky’s full statement below.
Tom Watling13 December 2024 08:46
Three emergency workers injured in Zaporizhzhia after glide bomb attack
Three emergency workers have been injured in eastern Ukraine after Russian forces fired glide bombs at a town near the frontline.
Ukraine’s state emergency service say the trio were hospitalised with mine and blast injuries, as well as shrapnel wounds. They were hit in the village of Stepnohirsk, less than three miles from the frontline.
Glide bombs – known as KABs in Ukraine – are modified Russian warheads often carrying between a 500kg and 1,500kg payload. They have been nicknamed “building destroyers”.
Tom Watling13 December 2024 08:28
We have some more details from Russia’s overnight attack on Ukraine
Ukraine’s energy minister German Galuschenko has described the latest Russian attack as a “massive” assault on the country’s energy infrastructure.
“The enemy continues its terror. Once again, the energy sector across Ukraine is under massive attack,” Mr Galushchenko wrote in a post on Facebook.
Ukraine’s air force has not yet issued a summary of the latest strikes overnight but they posted missile and drone warnings on their Telegram channel roughly every few minutes from midnight to 8am GMT, indicating the size of the attack.
Ukraine’s energy system has already suffered 11 Russian attack waves this year, which have caused widespread damage and lengthy power cuts all over the country.
Friday’s attack prompted additional restrictions on power usage for consumers, according to the national grid operator Ukrenergo.
All of Ukraine was under air raid alarms.
Local authorities reported multiple explosions in the southern city of Odesa and Kyiv regional authorities said air defence systems were operating.
Tom Watling13 December 2024 08:18