Current:Home > InvestRussia steps up its aerial barrage of Ukraine as Kyiv officials brace for attacks on infrastructure-LoTradeCoin
Russia steps up its aerial barrage of Ukraine as Kyiv officials brace for attacks on infrastructure
View Date:2024-12-24 00:29:38
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia unleashed a wave of nighttime drone and missile attacks across 10 of Ukraine’s 24 regions, Ukrainian authorities said Friday as they prepare for another winter of infrastructure bombardment by the Kremlin’s forces.
Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted 24 of 38 Shahed drones and one Kh-59 cruise missile launched by Russia.
The attacks caused fires in homes and public buildings, especially in the southern Kherson region which Moscow has increasingly targeted in recent weeks, emergency services said. Authorities reported that two people were injured.
“We understand that as winter approaches, Russian terrorists will attempt to cause more harm,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Telegram after the attacks, employing his usual choice of words for the enemy’s forces.
Last winter, Russia took aim at Ukraine’s power grid in an effort to deny civilians light and heating and chip away at the country’s appetite for war. Ukrainian officials accused the Kremlin of weaponizing winter.
The Russian strikes are inflicting “unimaginable levels of suffering” on Ukrainian civilians, according to Ramesh Rajasingham, coordination director in the U.N. humanitarian office.
Andriy Yermak, the president’s chief of staff, said Russia had expanded the number of drones it uses in its routine nighttime attacks as winter approaches.
“The battle for the sky is what awaits us,” he said on Telegram.
Laser-guided munitions designed to take out drones are expected to be part of a $425 million package of new U.S. military aid to Ukraine, according to U.S. officials.
The coming wet, muddy and cold weather will likely frustrate both sides’ efforts to advance on the battlefield, compelling a change in military tempo.
Russia and Ukraine will be building up ammunition stockpiles for offensives in 2024, analysts say. Ukraine is relying heavily on its Western allies and plans to ramp up its own weapons manufacturing while Russia buys from North Korea, Iran and Belarus.
Both armies are struggling to make major progress along the 1,500-kilometer (930-mile) front line in what is largely an artillery war. Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said in published remarks this week that artillery, missile and rocket fire account for up to 80% of all military tasks.
Ukraine’s forces can now wear down Russian logistics and command centers behind the front line using U.S. long-range ballistic missiles, known as ATACMS, and U.K long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
The planned delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in the first part of next year will also improve Kyiv’s military might. Its monthslong counteroffensive to push back Russian troops has taken place without air cover.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
veryGood! (321)
Related
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul press conference highlights: 'Problem Child' goads 'Iron Mike'
- Unilever announces separation from ice cream brands Ben & Jerry's, Popsicle; 7,500 jobs to be cut
- Baby giraffe named 'Saba' at Zoo Miami dies after running into fence, breaking its neck
- Ulta’s Semi-Annual Beauty Event Includes 50% off Skin Gym’s LED Face Mask Today Only, Plus More Deals
- Lions find way to win, Bears in tough spot: Best (and worst) from NFL Week 10
- Polygamous sect member pleads guilty in scheme to orchestrate sexual acts involving children
- 4 killed, 4 hurt in multiple vehicle crash in suburban Seattle
- Lose Yourself Over Eminem's Reunion With Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent at Dr. Dre's Walk of Fame Ceremony
- How Alex Jones’ Infowars wound up in the hands of The Onion
- The Who's Roger Daltrey will return to the US for intimate solo tour
Ranking
- College Football Playoff ranking release: Army, Georgia lead winners and losers
- Supreme Court allows Texas to begin enforcing law that lets police arrest migrants at border
- Anticipation and anger on Texas border after Supreme Court lets strict immigration law take effect
- Man dead, woman rescued after falling down 80-foot cliff in UTV at Kentucky adventure park
- New York races to revive Manhattan tolls intended to fight traffic before Trump can block them
- Police in Idaho involved in hospital shooting are searching for an escaped inmate and 2nd suspect
- Get 50% Off Kylie Cosmetics, 60% Off J.Crew Jeans, 35% Off Cocoon by Sealy Mattresses & More Daily Deals
- 'The Voice' coaches Chance the Rapper and John Legend battle over contestant Nadége
Recommendation
-
NFL Week 10 winners, losers: Cowboys' season can no longer be saved
-
Megan Fox Confirms Machine Gun Kelly Engagement Was Once Called Off: Where They Stand Now
-
Jake Gyllenhaal got a staph infection making 'Road House,' says his 'whole arm swelled up'
-
What to know about Tyler Kolek, Marquette guard who leads nation in assists per game
-
Cold case arrest: Florida man being held in decades-old Massachusetts double murder
-
Sentencing continues for deputies who tortured 2 Black men in racist assault
-
Brianna Maitland vanished 20 years ago. The FBI is now offering $40,000 to help solve the mystery.
-
Here’s What You Should Wear to a Spring Wedding, Based on the Dress Code