Russian forces launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine early Monday, August 26, targeting several regions across the country, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

The assault, which began around midnight and is still ongoing, appears to be the most significant in recent weeks, focusing primarily on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, reported the Associated Press.

The Ukraine Air Force reported multiple waves of Russian drones approaching from the east, north, south, and central parts of Ukraine, followed by a series of cruise and ballistic missiles.

The drone and missile assault across Ukraine resulted in at least three fatalities. 

Explosions were reported in Kyiv, where Mayor Vitalii Klitschko confirmed disruptions to power and water supplies. In Lutsk, a multi-storey residential building and an infrastructure facility were struck, resulting in one death, according to Mayor Ihor Polishchuk. 

The central Dnipropetrovsk region saw another fatality due to fires ignited by the attack, as reported by regional head Serhii Lysak. A third person was killed in the southeastern, partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region, as noted by regional head Ivan Fedorov. 

Ukraine’s private energy firm DTEK has implemented emergency blackouts and stated that energy workers are working tirelessly to restore power. In response, Polish and NATO air defences were activated in eastern Poland due to the attack.

Russian Air Defense destroys 20 Ukrainian drones

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones overnight. These drones were shot down across various regions, including nine over Saratov, three over Kursk, and two each over Belgorod, Bryansk, and Tula, with additional drones taken down over Oryol and Ryazan.

Damage and injury in Saratov

In the Saratov region, a woman was injured and residential properties sustained damage due to debris from the downed drones, according to regional governor Roman Basurgin. The woman is in serious condition and receiving medical treatment. Emergency services are addressing the damage in Saratov and Engels, key cities in the region southeast of Moscow.

Temporary flight restrictions in Russia’s Saratov airport introduced after a Ukrainian drone attack were lifted on Monday, state news agency RIA reported.

The Saratov region houses a strategic bomber base in Engels, which has been a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. There is currently no detailed information about the extent of damage at the base or the overall impact of the attack.

A video shared by the Russian news outlet SHOT on Telegram showed significant damage to a high-rise building in Saratov, with several windows blown out, and reported damage to the top floor of a residential building in Engels.