infrastructure

In the early hours of the morning, Ukraine experienced a massive missile and drone attack by Russian forces. The assault, reportedly the largest in recent months, saw an array of missile types being launched, including from strategic bombers and naval vessels. Ukrainian defence systems were pushed to the limits as air raid sirens wailed across the country.

Russian forces reportedly deployed a variety of weapons, including 11 Tu-95MS strategic bombers, six Tu-22M3 long-range bombers, hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea, and a large number of Shahed drones. This level of attack was described as a highly coordinated and prolonged assault, stretching over several hours. It represents a significant escalation in the conflict, with some analysts pointing to this as a possible retaliatory move from Russia.

A Calculated Assault

The scale and variety of the attack suggest that Russia had been preparing for this strike for some time. Konstantyn Kryvolap, an aviation analyst, discussed the nature of the assault, noting the comprehensive use of Russia’s missile and drone arsenal. “It was one of the largest attacks we have witnessed in recent months, and although our air defences have done well, such a massive onslaught means some missiles inevitably hit their targets,” he said.

While Ukraine’s air defences have proven effective, they are not invulnerable, as no air defence system in the world can ensure 100% interception. Despite the extensive barrage, Ukrainian forces have managed to neutralise most of the Shahed drones, with a few still airborne but expected to be downed soon.

One missile was reportedly still heading towards Rivne at the time of the report, though a full assessment of the attack’s scope is expected from Ukraine’s air forces. The Russian strategy appears to focus on overwhelming Ukraine’s defences, exhausting resources like surface-to-air missiles, potentially creating vulnerabilities for future strikes. This tactic also aims to instil fear among the civilian population, keeping them in a constant state of anxiety.

Civilian Targets and Infrastructure Under Threat

The targets of the Russian strikes were not limited to military objectives, with reports indicating that non-military sites, including energy and gas infrastructure, were among those hit. Civilian centres also appeared to be under threat, raising serious concerns about potential war crimes, especially if civilians were being deliberately targeted.

The use of weapons like X-22 missiles suggests that these strikes were intended to cause terror and chaos rather than achieve strategic military goals. Such actions seem designed to instill fear in the civilian population. Additionally, previous Russian threats, such as the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons, remain a troubling concern, though they have yet to materialise.

Ukraine’s Growing Drone Capabilities

Amid the Russian onslaught, Ukraine has been making significant advancements in its military capabilities, particularly in its drone programme. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced the successful deployment of a new weapon—a drone-missile hybrid known as the “Palianytsia,” designed for retaliatory strikes. This device reportedly combines the characteristics of both a missile and a drone, offering new possibilities for long-range precision attacks against Russian positions.

Ukraine’s new Palianytsia missile-drone

The Palianytsia is said to feature a gas-turbine engine, enabling it to reach considerable speeds and travel over extended distances. Its advanced aerodynamic design allows it to glide effectively, making it a powerful tool for Ukraine’s defence.

Although still in the testing stages, the Palianytsia marks a significant development in Ukraine’s military technology. With its ability to evade enemy defences and strike critical infrastructure, this new weapon has the potential to play a key role in future operations against Russian forces.

The Race for Air Superiority

As drone warfare becomes increasingly central to the conflict, the ongoing battle between offensive drones and the electronic warfare systems designed to counter them continues to evolve. Recent reports have highlighted new Russian tactics to bypass electronic warfare, such as using drones tethered to ground stations via fibre optic cables, making them resistant to radio jamming.

These methods, however, come with limitations, including a restricted range and heightened vulnerability to physical obstacles. While the tethered drone concept offers some advantages, it remains a niche solution with limited applicability to specific environments and short distances, rather than being a game-changer in the broader scope of the conflict.

Poland and NATO’s Role

Today’s attack also had broader implications beyond Ukraine’s borders. Polish fighter jets were scrambled as some of the missiles were headed towards western Ukraine, including regions near Poland’s border. One missile was reportedly intercepted near the border of Lviv and Zakarpattia regions. Poland’s air force has been vigilant, especially after previous incidents where Russian missiles crossed into Polish airspace.

Polish President Andrzej Duda has signalled that Poland is prepared to engage and even intercept missiles over Ukraine if necessary, a notable shift in NATO’s approach to the conflict.

Toll of Russian Airstrike on Ukraine: Seven Dead, 47 Injured, Including Children

On Monday, 26 August 2024, a Russian airstrike on Ukraine left seven people dead and 47 injured, including four children. The attack, which took place in the early morning, caused extensive destruction and inflicted severe casualties across multiple locations.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Emergency Service (SES) confirmed the toll, reporting that rescue operations have been concluded at all affected sites. The most significant damage occurred in Lutsk, where a five-storey residential building was heavily impacted. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to clear the rubble, rescuing two individuals trapped beneath the debris.

In addition to the casualties, the airstrike sparked 22 fires, all of which have since been extinguished by SES teams. The injured include children born in 2014, 2017, and 2024, underscoring the civilian toll of the Russian aggression.