In a dramatic escalation of conflict, Ukraine reported facing the “most massive” drone attack on its capital, Kyiv, since the inception of the invasion. Ukrainian authorities revealed that 71 Russian attack drones were downed overnight, with the majority of the Iranian-made Shahed drones falling over Kyiv. This significant assault resulted in power cuts in the city center as temperatures dropped below freezing, impacting residential and commercial areas.
Holodomor Remembrance Day Marred by Attacks
The drone onslaught coincided with Holodomor Remembrance Day, a day dedicated to commemorating the tragic 1930s starvation of millions in Ukraine under Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Kyiv city authorities characterized the attack as the most substantial since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The city endured a six-hour air raid alert, during which falling drone debris ignited fires and damaged buildings, leading to injuries ranging from an 11-year-old to a 65-year-old.
Strategic Targets and Power Outages
While Kyiv was the primary target of the attack, Ukraine’s army revealed that air defense was engaged across southern Ukraine. The assault also saw the destruction of a guided missile over the central Dnipropetrovsk region. Power cuts extended beyond Kyiv, affecting dozens of buildings and over 100 facilities. The energy ministry confirmed ongoing repairs to restore power to residential and commercial areas impacted by the attack.
Symbolic Timing Raises Concerns
Kyiv authorities noted the symbolic significance of the large-scale attack occurring on Holodomor Remembrance Day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in response, expressed condemnation on social media, emphasizing Russia’s pride in causing harm. Zelensky underscored the intentional nature of Holodomor, attributing it to Soviet agricultural policies, a claim Moscow vehemently denies. He acknowledged the world’s growing recognition of Holodomor as a deliberate crime against Ukraine and called attention to the ongoing Russian attacks fueled by uncondemned historical crimes.
Urgent Plea for Western Support
As the conflict intensifies, President Zelensky urged the West for increased support, emphasizing the urgent need for more weapons to counter the Russian invasion. Amid global attention shifts, Ukraine faces mounting challenges and seeks solidarity to confront the evolving crisis. The drone attack on Kyiv highlights the evolving nature of the conflict and the pressing need for international intervention to address the escalating situation in Ukraine.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Bangladesh Sangbad
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