Sun Nov 17 10:48:33 UTC 2024: ## Massive Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Hits Ukraine
**Kyiv, Ukraine –** Russia launched a massive air assault on Ukraine Sunday, marking one of the largest attacks since the war began nearly three years ago. Explosions rocked cities across the country, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Mykolaiv, as Russia targeted energy and military infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that approximately 120 missiles and 90 drones were fired, with Ukrainian forces claiming to have intercepted over 140 projectiles. Despite this, the attack caused widespread power outages, with DTEK, Ukraine’s energy operator, implementing emergency blackouts in Kyiv and eastern regions. At least two people were killed and six wounded, including children, in a drone strike on Mykolaiv, according to Zelenskyy.
The attack coincided with a significant Russian ground advance, the fastest seen since the early days of the conflict. Adding to the escalating tensions, reports emerged of thousands of North Korean soldiers deployed to the Kursk region to assist Russian forces.
The barrage comes as the political landscape shifts. While Zelenskyy expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution by 2025, the recent US presidential election victory of Donald Trump raises concerns about continued Western support for Ukraine. Trump’s past questioning of aid to Ukraine and Vice President-elect JD Vance’s suggestion of potential concessions to Russia have cast a shadow over future assistance. Despite this, the Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine, a sentiment echoed by G7 leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a rare call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, reiterated that any peace agreement must address what he considers the “root causes” of the conflict, including NATO expansion. The ongoing situation leaves Ukraine facing a perilous combination of military aggression and uncertain international support.
First Piper 