Russian Forces Intensify Drone and Missile Strikes on Ukraine, Targeting Infrastructure
Russian forces have escalated their long-range drone and missile strikes against Ukraine, launching a significant attack overnight from April 16 to 17. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces deployed one Iskander-M ballistic missile and 172 long-range drones, including Shahed-type drones, from various locations such as Bryansk, Kursk, and Crimea. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept 147 drones, but the missile and remaining drones struck eight locations, affecting energy, transport, and residential infrastructure in regions like Chernihiv and Odesa. The strikes have led to power outages, notably de-energizing a water supply facility in Chernihiv. Ukrainian officials have warned of Russia's plans to conduct more frequent large-scale strikes, potentially involving 400 drones and 20 missiles per month.