Russia launched a large-scale air attack on Ukraine on the night of Sunday to Monday. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, a record number of 479 drones and 20 missiles were used. Neighboring Poland took security measures due to the attack.
The Ukrainian Air Force speaks of the largest drone attack since the beginning of the war. 460 of the drones and 19 missiles were shot down. Nevertheless, impacts have been reported at ten locations spread across Ukraine. Fragments have landed in seventeen other places. It is still unknown whether there are any casualties.
Ukraine reported earlier on Monday that it had carried out attacks on Russia. Two aircraft were reportedly hit at an airbase in Russia.
The large Russian attack also caused unrest in neighboring Poland. Because the west of Ukraine – close to the Polish border – was attacked, the Polish army decided to deploy fighter jets on Monday morning. According to the Polish armed forces, the aircraft took off to “ensure safety in regions bordering the risk areas”.
During the attack, the air alarm sounded throughout Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force had previously warned of Russian missile and drone attacks.
Russian troops advance towards Dnipro
Russian troops have now advanced to the edge of the Dnipro region. According to Moscow, the units are now active near the border of the Donetsk region and are expanding their offensive westward. According to the Kremlin, the advance to Dnipro is partly intended to create a buffer zone.
Ukraine reports that the Russian army is trying to break through, but says that Ukrainian soldiers are successfully defending their positions. Heavy fighting is taking place, especially around the city of Kostiantynivka, an important logistical hub for the Ukrainian army.
At the same time, tensions are rising in the peace talks. Russia accuses Ukraine of delaying the exchange of prisoners of war and the retrieval of twelve thousand fallen Ukrainian soldiers. Ukraine denies this and calls the Russian behavior a political stunt.