Russia Targets Ukrainian Infrastructure with Largest Drone Attack in Weeks

Officials reported that Russia launched a significant drone attack early this Friday, striking vital infrastructure in western and southern Ukraine and resulting in the destruction of homes and commercial buildings in Kharkiv, the country's second-largest city. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that it shot down 24 Shahed drones out of 40 launched by Russia, marking the largest drone attack in weeks aimed at Kharkiv in the northeast, Odesa, Kherson in the south, and the Lviv region in the west, near Ukraine's border with Poland. The Air Force also noted that an X-59 missile was intercepted. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the attack: "We know that as winter approaches, Russian terrorists will try to inflict more damage. We will respond to the enemy," adding that air defenses responded in ten different areas. Officials indicate that Ukraine is preparing for a second winter of Russian airstrikes on the energy grid, amid warnings that it is more vulnerable this year than last due to decreased surplus energy production and reserve equipment.