Desperate for Ukraine’s gains, Russia launches major attack

Russia’s strong attacks in recent months are a response to recent gains by the Ukrainians in the war that began in February 2022: the Russians have lost more territory than they have conquered, face difficulties in replacing the losses they suffer on the battlefield and have seen Ukrainian attacks compromise their ability to produce and export oil.

In a statement on Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that more than 20 locations in the country’s capital were hit this Thursday and that the majority of targets were residential buildings. An ambulance base, a scientific institute, a hotel and business facilities were also destroyed, the Ukrainian leader added.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched around 500 long-range drones and 74 missiles across the entire territory of Ukraine overnight, 24 of which were ballistic.

Ukrainian defenses shot down almost all drones and 48 missiles, only four of which were ballistic.

Zelensky reported that, in addition to Kiev, attacks also took place in the Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia and Cherkasy regions.

In the message, the Ukrainian president once again demanded that the United States grant a license for Ukraine to manufacture the Patriot anti-aircraft defense system, a topic discussed with American President Donald Trump at the G7 summit in France in June.

“This is what can stop the war and prevent similar attacks. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine, our people and our defense of life,” Zelensky added.