Russia Launches Major Missile and Drone Assault on Ukraine

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched its largest missile and drone attack on Ukraine in recent months, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals, including two children, in Sumy. Ukrainian officials reported that over 400 people were evacuated from a nine-story building that was struck, amidst ongoing searches for survivors. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia deployed 120 missiles and 90 drones across the country, primarily targeting energy infrastructure as winter approaches. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a substantial number of these attacks, demonstrating resilience amidst the onslaught, though significant damage was still inflicted on critical facilities. In response, President Biden authorized the use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles by Ukraine to strike inside Russian territory, marking a notable shift in U.S. military support. This escalation highlights the intensifying conflict and the urgent need for enhanced air defenses in Ukraine as it braces for further attacks.