Late into the night, the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s armed forces reported a massive missile attack on the nation. The assault targeted critical infrastructure, industrial sites, and military facilities, resulting in unfortunate casualties. The enemy, deploying 36 “Shahed-136/131” attack UAVs and strategic Tu-95MS bombers, unleashed 158 means of air attack. This onslaught included air-based cruise missiles, anti-aircraft-guided missiles, and long-range bombers. The Air Force, in coordination with Defense Forces, managed to thwart a significant portion of the attack, destroying 27 attack UAVs and 87 cruise missiles.
Cities in Crosshairs
The Kyiv Regional Military Administration, via telegram, provided a comprehensive overview of the widespread destruction caused by the enemy’s assault. Maternity hospitals, educational institutions, shopping centres, high-rise buildings, private houses, and commercial warehouses across Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and other cities faced the brunt of the attack.
The enemy deployed a range of weapons, including “daggers,” S-300, cruise missiles, UAVs, and strategic bombers. Despite the devastation, services worked tirelessly to assist the injured. Unfortunately, casualties were reported, and the administration vowed to respond to the terrorists’ blows, ensuring the safety of the nation.
Restless Night and Swift Response
Ruslan Kravchenko, head of the Kyiv OVA, reported a restless night for the residents of the Kyiv region. The enemy launched a relentless rocket attack for over two hours. While air defence forces actively engaged enemy targets, no hits on critical or residential infrastructure were recorded. However, falling debris damaged 11 private houses and 11 cars in three districts.
[adinserter name="Four"]Operational services promptly addressed the situation, providing necessary assistance to those affected. One person was injured and received medical attention, while a power line was damaged in one settlement.
[adinserter name="One"]Human Toll and Extensive Damages
The morning of December 29 witnessed an alarming human toll and extensive damage across Ukrainian cities. The attacks resulted in at least 18 deaths and 108 injuries, with casualties reported in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.
[adinserter name="Two"]Details from various sources, including the Minister of Internal Affairs and regional military administrations, outlined the impact on civilian infrastructure, residential areas, and public spaces. Shopping centres, maternity hospitals, and high-rise buildings were hit, intensifying the tragedy.
Economic Cost of the Attack
It was reported that Russia had spent at least US$1.2 billion on the large-scale attack. The economic assessment detailed the cost of various weapons deployed during the assault. From kamikaze UAVs to air-to-ground cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic missiles, the Russians utilized a wide array of weaponry.
[adinserter name="Three"]Accumulated Threats and a Promise of Justice
Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has delivered a stern message in the wake of Russia’s large-scale missile attack on Ukraine. In a Facebook post, Umierov emphasized that Russia had been amassing missiles for months, targeting residential areas, shopping centres, and hospitals in a heinous act against peaceful Ukrainian cities. He asserted that the continuous attacks, demonstrating Russia’s commitment to terror and genocide, would not go unpunished. Umierov stated,
For every crime of the Russian Federation, there will be a fair punishment.
Umierov
Umierov elaborated on the extensive preparations undertaken by Russia, revealing that the large-scale missile attack was not a spontaneous act but the result of meticulous planning over several months. The Defence Minister expressed concerns about Russia’s substantial missile reserves, indicating the potential for ongoing attacks.
[adinserter name="Five"]Despite the ominous threat, Umierov assured the public that Ukraine is resolute in its commitment to justice and will collaborate with partner countries to bolster air defence systems, safeguarding against future deadly assaults.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of this unprecedented aerial assault on Ukraine, the nation stands resilient. The combined efforts of the armed forces, regional administrations, and emergency services showcase the determination to protect citizens and infrastructure. The human toll and economic cost underscore the severity of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention and support. As the nation mourns the losses, it also braces itself for the challenges ahead, determined to overcome the aggression and secure its future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How did Ukraine respond to the large-scale missile attack on the nation?
Ukraine, led by its armed forces and air defense units, responded vigorously to the large-scale missile attack. The Air Force, in coordination with Defense Forces, managed to thwart a significant portion of the assault, successfully destroying 27 attack UAVs and 87 cruise missiles. The response demonstrated the nation’s resilience in the face of unprecedented aggression.
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What areas and infrastructure were specifically targeted during the assault, and what were the consequences?
The assault targeted critical infrastructure, industrial sites, and military facilities across Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. Maternity hospitals, educational institutions, shopping centers, high-rise buildings, and private houses faced the brunt of the attack. The consequence was devastating, resulting in casualties, injuries, and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.
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How is Ukraine addressing the economic and human costs incurred due to the attack?
Ukraine is grappling with the economic and human costs of the attack. The human toll includes at least 18 deaths and 108 injuries, with casualties reported in various cities. Emergency services and regional military administrations are working tirelessly to assist the injured and address the damages. Additionally, Defence Minister Rustem Umierov emphasized a commitment to justice, assuring collaboration with partner countries to bolster air defense systems and safeguard against potential future attacks. The nation is also seeking international attention and support to cope with the aftermath and ensure its security.