Russia orchestrated a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine on January 2, 2024, leading to an estimated expenditure of approximately $620 million. The assault, characterized by the utilization of the entire Russian missile arsenal, unfolded with a total of 99 missiles, including the deployment of cutting-edge hypersonic Kinzal missiles.
Preliminary Attack Details
The initial wave witnessed the use of Shahed-136/131 UAVs, numbering 35, all successfully neutralized by Ukrainian defences. Subsequently, during the morning phase, Russia deployed strategic Tu-95MS bombers, launching a minimum of 70 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles. The onslaught continued with 10 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, 3 Kalibr cruise missiles, 12 Iskander-M/S-300/S-400 missiles, and 4 Kh-31P anti-radar missiles.
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Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported that Ukrainian defenders successfully intercepted and destroyed a significant portion of the incoming missiles. Notably, they downed all 10 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles, 59 out of 70 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles, and all 3 Kalibr cruise missiles. Forbes estimated the financial impact of the attack at approximately $620 million, considering the costs of various missile types.
[adinserter name="Two"]The estimation considered the costs of various missiles, including Kh-101 at $13 million, Kalibr at $6.5 million, Iskander at $3 million, Onix at $1.25 million, Kh-22 at $1 million, Tochka system at $0.3 million, Kh-55 at $2 million, Kh-555 at $4 million, Kh-47 Kinzhal at $15 million, and Shahed-136 at $50,000.
Impact on Infrastructure and Casualties
The repercussions of the missile attack were severe, with over 250,000 consumers left without electricity, damage to gas pipes and water supply lines in Kyiv’s Podilskyi district, disrupted internet services, and power outages on electric transport routes. Tragically, the assault resulted in five fatalities and 127 injuries in Ukraine.
[adinserter name="Three"]Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SES) mobilized over 500 personnel and 111 equipment to respond to the ensuing emergencies. Fires in Kyiv’s Podilskyi district continued to rage, posing ongoing challenges to emergency workers. As of the latest update, efforts were underway to remove unsafe structures in Kharkiv.
Russia’s Continued Aggression
This marked the second large-scale attack on Ukraine within five days. The previous assault on December 29, 2023, saw 158 air targets launched by Russia, resulting in 72 interceptions by Ukrainian air defense. The attacks targeted significant cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Lviv, and Zaporizhzhia, causing significant casualties and destruction.
[adinserter name="Four"]Valiantly defending its territory, Ukraine intercepted 72 missiles during the latest assault, showcasing its resilience against external threats. As tensions escalate, the international community watches the unfolding events and their implications for global stability.
The Ongoing Struggle for Sovereignty
Russia’s relentless aggression and subsequent defensive victories highlight Eastern Europe’s precarious state of affairs. The successful interception of many missiles underscores Ukraine’s determination to protect its sovereignty.
[adinserter name="One"]As the world watches these events unfold, regional and global security implications remain a cause for concern.
[adinserter name="Five"]Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What prompted Russia to launch a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine?
The motivations behind Russia’s recent large-scale missile attack on Ukraine remain complex and geopolitical. Speculations suggest factors such as territorial disputes, political tensions, and historical animosities may have contributed. However, the exact trigger is subject to ongoing analysis by experts and international observers.
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How successful was Ukraine in defending against the missile onslaught?
Ukrainian forces exhibited remarkable success in defending against the missile onslaught. According to Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 72 out of the 99 missiles launched by Russia were intercepted and neutralized. The effective defense underscores Ukraine’s military capabilities and determination to safeguard its territory.
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What are the immediate consequences of the missile attack on Ukraine’s infrastructure?
The missile attack had severe consequences for Ukraine’s infrastructure, causing power outages for over 250,000 consumers, damaging gas pipes and water supply lines in Kyiv’s Podilskyi district, disrupting internet services, and resulting in power outages on electric transport routes. Emergency services are actively responding to the aftermath, and the situation is evolving.
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How does this recent attack compare to previous incidents of aggression by Russia against Ukraine?
This marks the second large-scale attack on Ukraine, particularly on its capital, in the last five days. The December 29, 2023, assault saw 158 air targets launched, with Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepting 72 of them. The repeated acts of aggression highlight the ongoing challenges in the region and pose serious concerns for international stability.
