In a series of intense overnight strikes, Russia launched numerous drone and missile attacks targeting Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities, triggering air raid alerts across the country. According to Ukrainian officials on Wednesday, the barrage included both missile strikes and kamikaze drones, which caused significant disruptions and ignited a major fire at an industrial facility in the western region of Ternopil.
Ukraine’s air force reported that by 4:40 AM GMT, Russia had launched around 136 attack drones and three missiles. Despite the intensity of the assault, Ukrainian air defenses were able to intercept and destroy 51 of the drones. The air force noted that 20 drones were still in Ukrainian airspace, and 60 drones remained unaccounted for, possibly intercepted by Ukraine’s electronic warfare systems. As the attacks continued, much of Ukraine remained on high alert, with the Kyiv region under constant air raid warnings since the previous afternoon.
The attacks were carried out in multiple waves, with drones launched from different directions, making it more difficult for Ukrainian defenses to anticipate the next strike. While no immediate reports of damage or injuries in Kyiv emerged, officials warned of ongoing threats. Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, confirmed that all drones targeting the capital earlier in the night had been destroyed, but additional strikes remained a possibility.
The western Ternopil region, which has largely been spared from heavy bombardment compared to the eastern parts of the country, saw one of the most serious impacts from the overnight attacks. A “large-scale fire” broke out at an industrial facility in the region as a result of the strikes. The fire required the efforts of 46 firefighters and 12 units of specialized equipment to extinguish, the regional military administration confirmed on Telegram. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the fire, though it was not immediately clear which specific facility had been targeted.
As the assault unfolded, air raid sirens sounded across Ukraine, with most regions issuing warnings throughout the early hours of Wednesday. The air force confirmed that the drones destroyed were spread across 14 Ukrainian regions, including those targeting Kyiv.
The missile strikes accompanying the drone barrage have raised questions, as no clear reports on their impact have emerged. Ukrainian officials did not immediately disclose whether these missiles struck their intended targets or were intercepted before causing damage.
This latest wave of attacks marks a continuation of Russia’s strategy of using Iranian-made Shahed drones to target Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian areas. The use of drones in repeated waves has become a signature tactic, aimed at overwhelming Ukraine’s air defenses and inflicting maximum disruption.
The escalating frequency of these attacks underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict, as Ukraine enters the winter months. Ukrainian military officials have expressed concerns that Russia may intensify its air strikes as colder weather sets in, further straining Ukraine’s energy grid and vital infrastructure.
As Kyiv and other major cities remain under constant threat, Ukraine’s air defenses continue to adapt to the evolving nature of Russian assaults. Ukraine’s ability to intercept drones has significantly improved, yet the sheer volume of attacks poses ongoing challenges. Nevertheless, Kyiv’s leadership has emphasized its commitment to bolstering air defense systems and ensuring the safety of its citizens amidst the relentless aggression.
With no end in sight for the conflict, Ukrainian cities brace for more nights of aerial bombardment, and officials have urged civilians to remain vigilant and follow air raid precautions. Meanwhile, international allies continue to support Ukraine with additional air defense systems and humanitarian aid as the country faces ongoing military and civilian pressure from Russian forces.
