Ukraine deployed French Mirage 2000 fighter jets for the first time to repel the largest Russian air attack of the year, which targeted civilian and energy infrastructure across the country. The aircraft delivered by Paris to Ukraine about a month ago participated in air defense alongside U.S.-made F-16s, according to the Ukrainian Air Force command.
"The forces of Kyiv shot down approximately half of the 67 missiles and 194 drones launched by Russia in the bombardment," the statement added. Ukraine's Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, detailed that the attack targeted civilian and energy infrastructures, following a similar pattern to previous Russian attacks.
The country's largest energy and coal company, DTEK, reported that its gas production facilities in the central Poltava region were forced to halt operations due to the damage incurred. Meanwhile, the state energy company of Ukraine, Naftogaz, confirmed the attack and detailed that its gas production was damaged during what was the 17th attack on gas infrastructure facilities.
The attack, the largest so far this year, underscores the danger posed by Ukraine’s insufficient air coverage, especially at a time when the United States has suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. This followed an incident at the White House between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky last week.
Explosions were reported across the country, from the northeastern region of Kharkiv to the western region of Ivano-Frankivsk. Additionally, Poland sent fighter jets due to the intense activity of long-range Russian aviation. In the eastern city of Kharkiv, five people were reported injured according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
The attack followed a Russian ballistic missile strike against a hotel in the central city of Kryvy Rih on Wednesday night. This previous attack resulted in the deaths of four people and injured several dozen. Galushchenko assured that all necessary measures are being taken to stabilize energy and gas supply, and efforts are being made to mitigate the consequences of the attack as much as possible.
