Ukraine faces Russian ballistic missile strikes amid retaliatory UAV attacks

Russia launched a series of ballistic missile and drone attacks against Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and several other regions including Sumy, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. While Ukrainian air defenses reported intercepting approximately 90 percent of cruise missiles and 107 out of 135 drones during one overnight wave, ballistic missiles remain a significant challenge for existing defense systems.

Ukrainian officials reported that recent strikes caused multiple casualties, including at least 15 deaths in a major attack on Kyiv. In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western allies to provide more Patriot missile systems and interceptors, noting that Ukraine requires at least 300 Patriot missiles to effectively protect its airspace through the upcoming winter.

On the offensive side, Ukraine has conducted strikes against Russian military infrastructure. This includes targeting UAV control and relay stations in Crimea, as well as logistics hubs and UAV launch facilities near Donetsk. Additionally, Ukrainian forces reportedly struck the Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez oil refinery in Perm, Russia, located approximately 1,500 km from the Ukrainian border.