The attacks, spanning across the country and aimed in particular at the capital, Kyiv, prompted an immediate air raid alarm. Polish and allied fighter jets were scrambled in readiness.
The attack included the deployment of four Ch-101 and Ch-55 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers, an Iskander ballistic missile from Crimea, and an aeroballistic Kinzhal missile from the Tambov region in Russia. In addition, 24 Iranian-made Shahed drones were launched towards Ukraine from Russian territories, Ukrainian officials reported.
During the attacks, Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted one Kinzhal missile and four cruise missiles, while also neutralizing all 24 drones. In Kyiv, explosions were heard for the first time in a while as the air raid alarms, which started at 3 AM and lasted for two hours, prompted defensive action. The local military administration reported one injury and several fires caused by falling debris in two districts of the region.
In response to the overnight strikes, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces of Poland issued a statement warning of heightened noise levels due to the operation of Polish and allied aircraft in the region. The statement added that all necessary procedures to ensure the security of Polish airspace were promptly activated.
Throughout its war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has consistently targeted residential areas and non-military infrastructure, killing and maiming thousands of civilians.
(rt/jh)
Source: PAP, IAR, RMF24