CNN — Russia experienced its largest drone assault on its territory since the start of its war with Ukraine, while Moscow launched a near-simultaneous bombardment on Kyiv. The conflict escalated as both sides intensified their aerial attacks.
Six Russian regions, including Moscow, were targeted early Wednesday by drones, with an airport in the city of Pskov near the Estonian border reportedly suffering damage. Russian officials claimed to have thwarted most of the strikes and reported no casualties.
In response, Kyiv officials stated that Russia conducted a “massive” bombardment on the Ukrainian capital overnight. Serhii Popko, the head of Kyiv’s Military Administration, said it was the most powerful attack since spring. Multiple groups of drones approached Kyiv from different directions, and missiles were later launched towards the city. Kyiv’s air defense forces destroyed over 20 “enemy targets.” However, two people were killed, and three others sustained injuries from falling debris, according to the Kyiv City Military Administration.
Ukraine’s Armed Forces Commander in Chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, announced that Ukraine downed 28 cruise missiles and destroyed 15 out of 16 drones launched during the night. The conflict has reached a new phase with Ukraine striking strategic targets inside Russia, while also defending its own cities.
Following the attacks, all four Moscow airports temporarily suspended flight operations. At least 11 passenger flights were redirected to other airports, causing disruptions. The airports later resumed normal operations. Additionally, a Ukrainian drone attack on a television tower in Bryansk, near the Ukrainian border, was thwarted by air defenses. The wave of strikes came after the Ukrainian military reportedly fired at the village of Klimovo using multiple launch rocket systems.
In Pskov, an airport used for both civilian and military aircraft, drone attacks caused damage to four Il-76 aircraft, leading to a fire and subsequent engagement by emergency services.
Meanwhile, the ground war continues with fierce fighting and sluggish movement. Ukraine increased evacuations of children from the frontline town of Kupiansk due to ongoing Russian forces’ advance. Kupiansk is located in northeastern Ukraine, over 200 miles from the southern front where Ukrainian troops are slowly making progress in their counter-offensive. This indicates an attempt by each side to draw opposition troops away from their primary targets.
The Ukrainian military announced that they had gained further ground in the southern front, moving towards the villages of Novodanylivka and Verbove. A successful capture of the Verbove area would expand Ukrainian-controlled territory as they advance towards the strategically important hub of Tokmak, currently occupied by Russian forces.