Key facts
- Russia launched one of the largest ballistic missile attacks of the war on Ukraine.
- The barrage included over 40 missiles and 120 drones, according to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
- Ukraine's air force reported downing 18 of 41 missiles, including those on ballistic trajectories.
- The strikes damaged civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, resulting in at least one death and 15 injuries.
- Kyiv is facing a critical shortage of air defense interceptors, particularly U.S.-made Patriots.
- EU countries are deadlocked on a new sanctions package against Russia.
- Ukraine reported striking oil depots in Russia and tankers in the Black Sea.
Russia launched one of the most significant ballistic missile barrages of the ongoing war against Ukraine overnight into Sunday, striking targets across the country and highlighting Kyiv's dwindling air defense capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the attack involved more than 40 missiles and 120 attack drones, emphasizing the particular difficulty in intercepting high-speed ballistic missiles.
Ukraine's air force stated it shot down 18 of the 41 missiles launched, including nearly all on ballistic trajectories. The strikes caused damage to residential buildings, a supermarket, and a dormitory in the capital, Kyiv, with officials reporting at least one fatality and 15 wounded. Russia's defense ministry claimed its targets were defense industry facilities and logistics centers.
Following the attack, Ukrainian officials renewed their urgent appeals to allies for more interceptors, particularly the U.S.-made Patriot systems, and for the European Union to finalize stalled sanctions against Moscow. Zelenskyy described the need for interceptors as a daily priority, while Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it the largest ballistic attack of the war and urged the EU to unblock its 21st sanctions package.
The shortage of interceptors has been exacerbated by global demand, including from the conflict with Iran, which has depleted U.S. and allied Patriot stocks. Zelenskyy has indicated Ukraine requires 300 Patriot systems for the upcoming winter. While nine European countries have agreed to support a Ukrainian anti-ballistic system initiative, and France is licensing production of its Aster interceptors, these efforts are not yet sufficient to counter the current threat.