Russia launches large-scale ‘retaliatory’ strikes on Ukraine – MOD

The Russian military has conducted a large-scale missile and drone strike on Ukraine in response to “terrorist attacks” by Kiev on civilian infrastructure in Russia, the Defense Ministry in Moscow has said. Russia has struck Ukrainian defense-related facilities for months, including power plants; it maintains that it never targets civilians.

In a statement on Saturday, the ministry reported a “concentrated strike” using long-range sea- and air-launched precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and drones. It said that the attacks targeted energy and transport infrastructure used by Ukrainian forces, as well as facilities producing and storing drones.

“The objectives of the strike have been achieved. All designated targets have been hit,” the Defense Ministry said.

The statement noted that over the past 24 hours, Russian air defenses shot down 168 Ukrainian drones.