In a harrowing escalation of hostilities, Ukraine’s Air Force faced a relentless barrage of Russian missiles and drones overnight, marking one of the most intense assaults in recent weeks. A staggering 67 missiles, including 43 cruise missiles and 194 drones, targeted critical infrastructure, particularly the gas extraction industry, plunging the nation into chaos under the cover of darkness.

The assault, meticulously orchestrated, began with slower Iranian-made Shahed drones, setting the stage for a swift follow-up of faster Lancet drones, cruise missiles, and finally ballistic missiles. This multi-layered attack aimed to overwhelm Ukraine’s defenses, creating a deadly storm of destruction. In a historic first, Ukrainian forces deployed French Mirage 2000 warplanes, bolstering their defenses against the onslaught. Despite the overwhelming firepower, Ukrainian air defenses intercepted around 34 missiles and 100 drones, showcasing the resilience of their military amid adversity.

Reports indicate that up to 10 missiles failed to reach their targets, while 86 drones vanished from radar, likely due to effective electronic warfare tactics. Ukrainian soldiers utilized Soviet-era helicopters and machine guns to combat the drone threat, demonstrating resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

The Russian strategy unfolds in calculated stages, beginning with surveillance and target acquisition using Orland drones, followed by precision strikes with Lancet drones on identified targets. The final stages involve saturation attacks with massed Shahid drones and high-impact strikes from cruise missiles launched from a safe distance, ensuring devastating blows to strategic targets.

As the night unfolds, the situation remains critical, with military analysts closely monitoring the escalating conflict and its implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty. The resilience of Ukraine’s forces is being tested like never before, as the nation braces for what may come next in this ongoing war.