While attention was focused on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran, Russia unleashed hell on Ukraine: 18 dead, 150 injured

Russia launched one of its most intense air assaults of the year against Ukraine, with the capital Kyiv as well as Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipro targeted overnight by ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hundreds of kamikaze drones.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence said a total of 44 missiles and 659 kamikaze drones were detected in the air. Most were reportedly destroyed, but 26 missiles and drones struck their intended targets.

The escalation in Russian attacks is being linked both to Ukraine’s recent damage to Russian energy infrastructure deep inside Russian territory and to the freezing of the front line.

Over the past month, Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy facilities reportedly caused a 23% decline in Russia’s oil exports.

A second reason cited for the intensification of Russian air attacks was developments along the front line.

Ukraine has reportedly gained a drone-number advantage for the first time in the war, now entering its fifth year.

The number of soldiers recruited by Russia’s Ministry of Defence for deployment to the war has reportedly fallen behind the number of troops killed by Ukrainian FPV drones.

Another dangerous development has also emerged, with Russia increasingly identifying countries supporting Ukraine’s defence as potential targets.

Source: Hürriyet