Russia Launches Massive Missile and Drone Attack on Ukraine

On November 17, Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine in months, deploying over 200 missiles and drones targeting energy infrastructure and civilian areas, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported two deaths and several injuries, including children, from drone strikes in Mykolaiv, while other regions, including Kyiv and Odesa, also faced significant damage. Ukrainian air defenses were able to intercept approximately 140 air targets, including hypersonic missiles, but the attacks led to emergency power outages and damage to critical facilities. The attacks appear to be a strategy to intimidate the Ukrainian population amid fears of reduced power supply during the winter months. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga condemned the strikes as targeting peaceful cities and sleeping civilians, while emergency services worked to address the fallout from the bombardment. Zelensky emphasized the need for global unity against Russian aggression, framing the conflict as a defense against 'absolute evil.'