Sun Nov 17 23:20:05 UTC 2024: ## Massive Russian Attack on Ukraine Kills at Least 10, US Authorizes Long-Range Missile Strikes
**Kyiv, Ukraine – November 18, 2024** – Russia launched its largest drone and missile attack on Ukraine in months on Sunday, killing at least ten people and causing widespread damage to energy infrastructure. The assault involved approximately 210 air targets – 120 missiles and 90 drones – resulting in power and water disruptions across the country. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly intercepted 144 of the incoming projectiles.
The attack targeted energy infrastructure, causing significant damage to facilities in multiple regions including Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Odesa. In Sumy, a nine-story building was struck, killing eight people, including two children, and injuring dozens more. The Odesa region saw two fatalities, both Ukrenergo employees. Mykolaiv reported two deaths and six injuries, including two children. Kyiv also experienced damage, with a residential building fire and damage to a thermal power plant.
In response to the escalating situation and extensive lobbying from Ukrainian officials, President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles within Russian territory for the first time. This authorization follows a similar decision in May regarding the use of HIMARS systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while acknowledging the authorization, refrained from publicly confirming any immediate retaliatory strikes.
The attack prompted heightened concerns about Russia’s intentions to cripple Ukraine’s energy grid ahead of winter. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that the attack further damaged electrical substations supporting Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, leaving only two of nine operational reactors at full capacity. Poland mobilized its air force in response to the scale of the attack, citing safety concerns for its border regions.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the targets were related to Ukraine’s military industry. However, reports emerged of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian territory, including Kursk and Belgorod regions, resulting in casualties and damage. A drone attack also reportedly targeted a factory in Izhevsk.
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