The overnight drone swarm follows what Ukraine characterized as the heaviest Russian missile bombardment in the 22-month war, resulting in at least 30 casualties and 160 injuries across Ukrainian cities.

Russia's defense ministry confirmed the destruction of the drones over regions including Moscow, Bryansk, Orel, and Kursk. Additionally, 13 rockets were intercepted over the Belgorod region, resulting in one fatality and four injuries, including a child, with damage to the water supply system.

Acknowledging its activities in Ukraine, Russia's defense ministry disclosed 50 group strikes and "one massive strike" from December 23 to December 29 on various Ukrainian military facilities. The assault, involving hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles, drew widespread condemnation as it targeted both critical infrastructure and civilian areas, including schools, houses, apartment blocks, and a maternity hospital.

Ukraine's army reported that Russia fired 122 missiles and 36 drones in the recent attacks, hitting cities from Kharkiv in the northeast to Odesa on the Black Sea coast and Lviv in the far west.

In response to the intensified conflict, the United Kingdom swiftly announced plans to send approximately 200 air defense missiles to support Ukraine's defensive efforts. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov communicated with his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin in the aftermath of the attacks.

The mass strike by Russian forces is perceived as retaliation for Ukraine's destruction of the Russian landing ship Novocherkassk in Feodosia, Crimea, earlier in the week. This development mirrors patterns from the previous winter when Russian troops consistently bombarded Ukraine's energy facilities, causing widespread power outages during the coldest months.

In a separate incident, Russia reported the destruction of an unmanned Ukrainian naval vessel heading toward the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014. Ukraine's general staff also reported ten additional Russian drones fired overnight, with five successfully intercepted. The conflict's intensification raises concerns about the humanitarian impact on civilian populations and the potential for further escalation in the ongoing crisis. (ILKHA)