Thu Nov 07 21:43:00 UTC 2024: ## Russia Launches Eight-Hour Drone Attack on Kyiv, Targeting Infrastructure and Civilian Areas
**KYIV, Ukraine** – Russia launched a sustained drone attack on Kyiv overnight, targeting the Ukrainian capital for eight hours, authorities reported on Thursday. The barrage, involving dozens of drones launched from various directions and altitudes, was aimed at stretching Ukrainian air defenses and causing fear among civilians.
While Ukrainian air defenses successfully neutralized three dozen drones, falling debris damaged a hospital, residential buildings, and office spaces in the capital. A fire erupted on the 33rd floor of an apartment building, and at least two people were injured.
This attack is part of Russia’s ongoing effort to wear down Ukraine and its Western allies after nearly 1,000 days of war. Russia has increased its use of Iranian-made Shahed drones, deploying about ten times more than this time last year. These drones, while less powerful than missiles, are effective at terrorizing civilians, according to Ukrainian officials.
The drone attacks are intended to save Russia’s missile stockpiles, which have been used effectively to cripple Ukraine’s power grid. However, the continuous drone attacks are also gradually weakening Ukraine’s air defenses, making it more vulnerable to future missile strikes.
Beyond Kyiv, a Russian drone attack injured one person in the southern city of Odesa, damaging an 11-story residential building. Power outages were also reported in the Zhytomyr region, bordering Kyiv.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine continues to rely on Western support to sustain its defense against the much larger and better-equipped Russian military. However, the election of Donald Trump as the next US president raises concerns about the future of American aid to Ukraine. Trump has repeatedly expressed skepticism about US involvement in the war.
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