Russia launches nearly 100 drones into Ukraine as President Zelensky urges tougher sanctions against Moscow.
At a Glance
- Russia launched 96 drones and a guided missile into Ukraine overnight
- Ukrainian forces intercepted 66 drones and the missile
- No casualties reported from the overnight attack in Ukraine
- President Zelenskyy calls for stricter sanctions and long-range capabilities
- A Ukrainian drone attack in Russia’s Belgorod region resulted in one fatality
Massive Drone Assault on Ukraine
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia launched a massive overnight drone assault on Ukraine, deploying nearly 100 drones and a guided air missile. The Ukrainian Air Force demonstrated its defensive capabilities by successfully intercepting 66 drones and the missile. An additional 27 drones were likely neutralized through electronic jamming, while one drone reportedly entered Belarusian airspace.
This latest attack is part of a broader pattern of intensified aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that over the past week, Russia had launched approximately 900 guided aerial bombs, 500 drones, and 30 missiles against Ukraine. Despite the scale of the assault, no casualties were reported from the overnight attack within Ukraine’s borders.
Russia sends nearly 100 drones into Ukraine, as Zelensky urges tougher sanctions against Moscow https://t.co/clGFQKYWUz pic.twitter.com/BOr0qN2KKY
— New York Post (@nypost) November 3, 2024
Zelenskyy’s Call for Action
In response to the escalating attacks, President Zelenskyy has intensified his appeals to Western allies for support. He emphasized the urgent need for long-range military capabilities to effectively counter these threats and prevent future assaults.
“Attacks would have been impossible if we had sufficient support from the world,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy’s statement underscores the critical importance of international assistance in Ukraine’s defense efforts. The Ukrainian leader also called for stricter sanctions against Russia, specifically targeting the import of components used in the production of drones and missiles.
Last night, Russia terrorized Ukraine with over 50 strike drones, and over the past week, it has used more than 900 bombs, around 30 missiles, and nearly 500 “Shaheds” against various regions of Ukraine.
Most of these strikes have targeted civilian and critical infrastructure.… pic.twitter.com/8bmTvdrceG
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 3, 2024
Sanctions and Long-Range Capabilities
President Zelenskyy highlighted the pressing need for more robust international action, stating the necessity for “truly effective sanctions to prevent Russia from importing critical components for drone and missile production.” This appeal comes in light of the revelation that over 2,000 drones and missiles launched against Ukraine in October contained Western components, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current sanctions.
“Long-range capabilities for our security,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian government is actively seeking approval from Western partners to utilize long-range weapons for preemptive strikes on Russian soil. This request reflects the escalating nature of the conflict and Ukraine’s determination to defend its territory against ongoing aggression.
Conflict Spills Over Borders
While Ukraine bore the brunt of the recent attacks, the conflict has increasingly spilled over into Russian territory. The Russian Defense Ministry reported shooting down 19 Ukrainian drones in the Rostov, Belgorod, and Volgograd regions. In a tragic turn of events, a man in Russia’s Belgorod region lost his life in a Ukrainian drone attack, as confirmed by regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
