LONDON — Russia and Ukraine each launched more than 100 attack drones, most of which were intercepted, overnight into Thursday, military officials said.
Ukraine’s air defenses shot down at least 78 of the 105 Russian Shahed drones launched overnight at several regions, including Kyiv, the country’s air force said in an update. Fifteen regions were targeted, Ukraine said.
“The air attack was repulsed by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and the Defense Forces of Ukraine,” the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said in a statement early Thursday.
A view shows an apartment building hit by a Russian air strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine October 3, 2024.
Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy/Reuters
It was unclear if there were injuries in Kyiv, Serhiy Popko, head of the city’s administration, said on the messaging app Telegram.
Russia’s air-defense systems shot down some 113 Ukrainian drones in four regions, including the Kursk region, the Russian Ministry of Defense said. The Ukrainian attack had been “thwarted” the military said.
At least 73 Ukrainian drones were destroyed over the Belgorod region, which borders Kharkiv, Ukraine, Moscow said.
Rescue workers operate at a site of an apartment building hit by a Russian air strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine October 3, 2024.
Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy/Reuters
Ukrainian officials also said missiles had been fired late Wednesday toward residential areas in Kharkiv, where they struck at least one apartment building.
At least eight people were wounded in that strike, officials said. A 3-year-old child was among the injured, Ihor Terekhov, Kharkiv’s mayor, said on Telegram.
In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine, scores of attack drones were launched in overnight strikes by both countries. The use of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) marks a significant shift in the conflict, as they have the potential to cause widespread destruction and casualties.
The attacks began in the early hours of the morning, with reports of drones targeting military installations, infrastructure, and civilian areas. The drones were equipped with missiles and bombs, which were used to devastating effect. Images and videos shared on social media showed buildings reduced to rubble and fires raging in the streets.
The use of attack drones in this conflict is a worrying development, as they are capable of carrying out precision strikes with minimal risk to the operators. This allows for more targeted attacks and increased efficiency in carrying out military operations.
Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of initiating the drone strikes, with each side claiming to have inflicted heavy casualties on the other. The true extent of the damage and casualties is still unclear, as communication lines have been disrupted and access to affected areas is limited.
The international community has condemned the use of attack drones in this conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations. The United Nations has expressed concern over the escalating violence and has called for all parties to respect international law and protect civilians.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, the use of attack drones is likely to become more prevalent. It is imperative that all parties involved exercise restraint and prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.
In conclusion, the use of scores of attack drones in overnight strikes by Russia and Ukraine represents a dangerous escalation of the conflict. The international community must work together to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis before more lives are lost.
