The Ukrainian Air Force Command reported that Russia attacked the country early this morning with an Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile, along with 400 Geran-2 suicide drones and decoy aircraft.
“The main targets of the attack were Kryvyi Rih, Kharkov, and Vinnytsia. Ukrainian air defense units shot down 198 suicide drones, while 145 drones went off course due to electronic countermeasures. One missile and 57 drones hit 12 locations. Debris from intercepted aircraft also fell in two areas,” the command stated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the target of the attack was energy infrastructure, adding that officials are working to address the aftermath in his hometown of Kryvyi Rih. “Unfortunately, 15 people were injured, including a child. All are receiving medical care,” he said.
Kryvyi Rih Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul said a 17-year-old is in critical condition after Russian missiles and drones hit an industrial facility in the city. “A ballistic missile and 28 drones at the same time. This has never happened before,” he said.
Officials said the Russian attack also injured eight people in the central province of Vinnytsia and three in Kharkov. Three people were also killed in the Ukrainian-controlled area of Donbass.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the information.
Russia has recently conducted several large-scale combined missile and drone attacks against Ukraine, while the latter faces a severe shortage of air defense missiles, especially ammunition for the Patriot system, after the US suspended military aid.
Former US President Donald Trump on 14/7 issued an ultimatum to Russia, demanding that Moscow reach a peace agreement with Ukraine within 50 days or face sanctions. These measures include a 100% tariff on Russian goods and secondary tariffs on countries that purchase goods exported by Moscow.
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Fire reportedly in Kharkov province after the Russian attack on the evening of 15/7 and morning of 16/7. Photo: *Rusvena* |
Trump also said he had reached an agreement to indirectly transfer weapons to Kyiv, whereby NATO countries would purchase weapons from the US and then provide them to Ukraine. Among these weapons are Patriot missile shields, which Ukraine desperately needs to counter Russia’s large-scale attacks.
Pham Giang (*AFP, Ukrainska Pravda*)
