Analysis from military experts and defense reports

Russia Launches Largest Missile Attack Since War's Start on Ukraine; Bombers, Kinzhals Deployed, Cities Lose Power

Nov 17, 2024, 03:52 AM

Russia has launched one of the largest missile attacks against Ukraine since the start of the war. Reports indicate that up to 17 Tu-95MS strategic bombers, six to seven Tu-160 supersonic heavy bombers, and Tu-22M3 aircraft have taken off from Olenya airfield in the Murmansk region and are heading toward launch routes near the Caspian Sea and the Sea of Azov. Missiles have been launched from air, sea, and land platforms, including Kh-59 cruise missiles, X-101/555, Kalibr missiles, Iskander ballistic missiles, Zircon missiles, and Kinzhal missiles carried by MiG-31K aircraft. Six MiG-31K planes are reportedly airborne, and four Russian ships carrying 24 Kalibr missiles, as well as two submarines in the Black Sea capable of carrying up to eight Kalibr missiles each, are involved in the attack. Air raid sirens have sounded across Ukraine, and explosions have been reported in Odessa and Kyiv, leading to emergency power outages in both cities. Ukrainian airspace is experiencing multiple missile and drone incursions, with missiles entering from the southern, eastern, and northeastern regions. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that Russia has launched massive cruise missiles and drones targeting Ukraine's infrastructure.