Russia launched largest drone, missile attack of Ukraine war, says Kyiv
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
The Ukrainian air force's air defence systems intercepted 711 out of 728 drones launched, and destroyed at least seven missiles.
PHOTO: APF
Follow topic:
KYIV – Russia launched the largest missile and drone attack against Ukraine, mainly targeting the west of the country, Ukrainian air force said on July 9.
Officials said that Russia had attacked with 728 drones and 13 missiles, adding that its air defence systems intercepted 711 drones and that at least seven missiles were destroyed.
“This is a telling attack – and it comes precisely at a time when so many efforts have been made to achieve peace, to establish a ceasefire, and yet only Russia continues to rebuff them all,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media.
He called for allies to step up sanctions on Russia, particularly targeting its energy sector, an important revenue stream for the Russian war chest.
“Our partners know how to apply pressure in a way that will force Russia to think about ending the war, not launching new strikes,” Mr Zelensky added.
The mayor of the western city of Lutsk, Mr Igor Polishchuk, said fires had broken out at an “enterprise”, and that no one had been reported killed or wounded.
The latest strike beats a previous Russian record of 550 drones and missiles set earlier in July. The attack also comes just days after Washington said it would send more weapons to Ukraine as Russia ramps up its attacks on the country.
“It is quite telling that Russia carried out this attack just as the United States publicly announced that it would supply us with weapons,” the Ukrainian President’s chief of staff, Mr Andriy Yermak, wrote on social media. AFP
