Russia launches 'biggest' air attack of war on Ukraine, 7 dead

In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine, at least seven people were killed while dozens were wounded. Missiles and drones were fired into more than half of Ukraine's regions on Monday (Aug 26), confirmed the head of the country's Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk said.

Oleshchuk revealed that Moscow launched 127 missiles, of which 102 were intercepted while his forces also battled 109 drones projectedinto the Ukrainian territory.

In a video address, President Volodymyr Zelensky described it as one of the biggest "combined strikes" on Ukraine over the course of the war.

“And like most previous Russian strikes, this one is just as base, targeting critical civilian infrastructure,” he said.

Zelensky also urged the allies to supply Ukraine with long-range ammunition required to stop such strikes.

"Each of these strikes repeatedly reminds us of the critical need for long-range capabilities—to give our Defense Forces sufficient long-range weapons to destroy the terrorists precisely at the locations from which they launch their attacks."

The elimination of the consequences of the Russian strike is still ongoing. In total, over 120 missiles of various types and more than a hundred “Shaheds” were launched. The missile launch areas against Ukraine included, among others, the airspace of the Kursk and Belgorod… pic.twitter.com/jXM3oNAadw — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 26, 2024

Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry in a statement said it had launched a “massive precision-guided weapons strike on critical energy infrastructure facilities”.

Watch |Russia-Ukraine War: More than half of Ukraine targeted

Biden condemns attack

US President Joe Biden condemned the attack and said the US, alongside all the allies will continue tosupport Ukraine despite Russia's increased aggression.

"I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s continued war against Ukraine and its efforts to plunge the Ukrainian people into darkness. Let me be clear: Russia will never succeed in Ukraine, and the spirit of the Ukrainian people will never be broken," said Biden.

"I have re-prioritised USair defence exports so they are sent to Ukraine first. The United States also is surging energy equipment to Ukraine to repair its systems and strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s energy grid," he added.

The air attack comes in the backdrop of Ukrainian forces making major headways in the Kursk region. Earlier this month, Kyiv punched through the border in a surprise attack, ahead of possible talks regarding a ceasefire in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)