Russia launches attack on Ukraine with 800 drones; Zelensky calls for support
In a new escalation of the conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russia launched a large-scale attack using at least 800 drones against Ukraine on Wednesday, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. These intense attacks killed at least six people, highlighting the ongoing threat to Ukrainian civilians.
Context of the attacks and war strategy
These attacks are part of a sustained Russian strategy, ongoing since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, that relies heavily on the use of long-range drones, such as the Iranian-made Shahed drones, and cruise missiles to target vital infrastructure in Ukraine. Through these attacks, Moscow aims to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses, terrorize civilians, and cripple energy, water, and heating networks, particularly with the approach of a harsh winter, in an attempt to break the will of the Ukrainian people.
The timing of the attack and its political messages
President Zelenskyy did not overlook the political dimension of the attack, noting that Moscow might deliberately time its attacks to coincide with significant international events in an attempt to send political messages or divert attention from the diplomatic arena. Zelenskyy stated, “The fact that one of the largest and longest attacks on Ukraine coincided with the US president’s visit to China is certainly not a coincidence.” He reiterated his firm call for the international community and Ukraine’s allies to exert “real pressure” on Moscow, emphasizing that military support, particularly in the area of air defense, is the only way to stop this “air terrorism” and protect innocent lives.
Impact on air defenses and international support
These attacks are straining Ukraine’s defense capabilities, placing immense pressure on its air defense systems, which operate around the clock to intercept missiles and drones. While Ukrainian forces have achieved considerable success in shooting down a high percentage of these targets, each attack depletes valuable interceptor missile stockpiles and underscores the urgent and ongoing need for increased Western military support, including advanced air defense systems such as the Patriot and IRIS-T, and sufficient ammunition. On the humanitarian front, these attacks exacerbate the suffering of civilians living in a constant state of alert, disrupting daily life and causing the collapse of essential services. This intensified offensive represents a new chapter in Russia’s war of attrition, waged not only on the battlefronts but also against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
