Russian Drone Attack Hits Vital Infrastructure Ahead Of Winter, President Zelensky: We'll Respond

Illustration of the launch of the Shahed-136 drone. (Twitter/@inbarspace)

Russia launched a massive drone strike on Friday, hitting critical infrastructure in western and southern Ukraine, destroying private homes to commercial buildings in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, officials said.

Ukrainian air forces said they shot down 24 of the 40 "Shahed" drones launched by Russia, the largest drone strike in weeks targeting Kharkiv in the northeast, Odesa and Kherson in the south and the Lviv region on the Ukrainian border with Poland in the West.

In addition, the air force also said it managed to shoot down the X-59 missile.

"We recognize that ahead of winter, Russia will try to do more damage. We will respond to the enemy," President Zelensky said.

The air force said the latest drone strike was launched in several waves and flew to various regions within small groups. Air alerts in some areas last for several hours at night.

Maksym Kozytskiy, Governor of Lviv, said an infrastructure facility had been attacked five times during an attack on his area, but did not specify the damage. He reported no casualties.

In the nearby area of Ivano-Frankivsk, a military facility was attacked, said governor Svitlana Onishchuk.

Meanwhile, the goalkeeper, governor of the Odesa region, reported an attack on infrastructure facilities in the southern region.

Meanwhile in Kharkiv, Governor By Synehubov said drones had attacked civilian infrastructure and caused fires in and near Kharkiv City. He said eight people, including two children, needed medical assistance due to acute stress.

Minister of Home Affairs Ihor Klymenko said eight private houses, a three-story building, several cars, and a car repair shop were damaged in the attack in Kharkiv.

Regarding airstrikes, President Zelensky said air defenses had been in 10 different areas.

Sementara itu, para pejabat mengatakan Ukraina bersiap menghadapi serangan udara Rusia yang kedua pada musim dingin terhadap sistem energi, yang mereka mengingatkan lebih sukut dibandingkan tahun lalu karena kapasitasnya lebih sedikit dan peralahannya sedikit.