**Russia’s Drone and Missile Attacks on Ukraine: A Record 728 Drones Launched**
The Ukrainian Air Force has reported that Russia launched a record number of Shahed-type drones, as well as cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. According to the air force, 728 drones were launched by Russian forces, along with 13 cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. However, Ukrainian authorities claimed success in neutralizing many of these targets, including shooting down 296 drones and intercepting seven cruise missiles.
**Casualties and Damage in Kharkiv Oblast**
In the Kharkiv Oblast, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that one person was killed and four injured in attacks on the city of Kharkiv and eight surrounding settlements. Russian forces used a combination of Shahed drones, guided bombs, rockets, and FPV (first-person-view) drones to carry out these attacks. Several civilian houses, power lines, and farm infrastructure facilities were damaged.
**Attacks on Civilian Targets in Kherson Oblast**
In the Kherson Oblast, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported that one person was killed and 17 others injured during drone attacks, artillery shelling, and air strikes that hit dozens of towns and villages, including Kherson city. Damage to apartment buildings, houses, a farm, and civilian vehicles was reported.
**Donetsk Oblast Hit Hard**
In the Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that Russian strikes killed three civilians, including two in Bilytske and one in Novyi Donbas. Eleven more people were wounded in the region.
**Zaporizhzhia Oblast Under Attack**
In the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Governor Ivan Fedorov said three civilians were wounded in the Polohy district. Russian forces carried out 482 attacks on 14 settlements using drones, artillery, and rockets. A couple was hospitalized with shrapnel injuries after a strike on the Stepnohirsk community.
**Sumy Oblast Also Targeted**
In the Sumy Oblast, regional authorities reported that one person was wounded in the Shostka district by a drone strike. Over a 24-hour period, 75 Russian attacks were recorded across 39 settlements, damaging residential buildings, schools, and administrative buildings.
**Kyiv Oblast Hit by Drone Strike**
In the Kyiv Oblast, Governor Mykola Kalashnyk confirmed that one person in the Brovary district was hospitalized with chest injuries following a Russian drone strike.
**Commentary and Analysis**
This article highlights the scale of Russia’s attacks on Ukraine over the past day. The use of Shahed-type drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles demonstrates Russia’s continued commitment to using military force against Ukrainian civilians. The Ukrainian Air Force’s success in neutralizing many of these targets is a testament to their bravery and skill.
However, the fact that 415 drones were lost or suppressed by electronic warfare systems suggests that Ukraine still faces significant challenges in defending itself against Russian aggression. The attacks on civilian targets, including residential buildings, schools, and administrative buildings, demonstrate a clear disregard for human life and property.
As we continue to monitor the situation on the ground, it is clear that Ukraine remains vulnerable to Russian attacks. The international community must continue to condemn these actions and provide support to the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and self-determination.
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