Russia Launches Large-Scale Combined Assault on Ukraine
In the early hours of February 26, Russian forces executed a massive, coordinated strike against Ukrainian infrastructure, employing a mix of drones and various missile types. The assault involved a total of 420 drones and 39 missiles. Impacts and damage were recorded across multiple regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, and Vinnytsia. These attacks are part of a sustained Russian campaign to degrade Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure.
Weaponry Deployed and Intercepted
The types of missiles launched included:
- 2 'Zircon' anti-ship missiles
- 11 ballistic missiles, including 'Iskander-M' and 'S-400' types
- 24 Kh-101 cruise missiles
- 2 Kh-69 guided air-to-surface missiles
The drone fleet consisted of Shahed, 'Gerbera', and 'Italmas' models. According to preliminary data as of 10:00 AM, Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted:
- 2 'Zircon' missiles
- 4 'Iskander' missiles
- 24 Kh-101 cruise missiles
- 2 Kh-69 missiles
- 374 drones
Despite these interceptions, five ballistic missiles and 46 attack drones struck 32 locations. In Kyiv's Darnytskyi district, a nine-story residential building was damaged. Kharkiv was hit in at least four districts: Shevchenkivskyi, Kyivskyi, Saltivskyi, and Slobidskyi. In Kryvyi Rih, the number of injured rose to two: an 82-year-old woman and an 89-year-old man.
Debris from downed weapons fell in 15 locations. The situation across the country remains tense as Russian military strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure continue unabated.
This assault is part of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, a conflict that has inflicted heavy losses on both sides. Russian strikes on infrastructure, particularly civilian targets, have severe humanitarian consequences for the population and hinder the country's recovery efforts.
Ukrainian air defense units continue their work to protect critical sites, though the threat level remains extremely high amid active hostilities.