KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – One person has lost their life after Russian forces launched a coordinated attack on Ukraine overnight using 87 Shahed drones and four different types of missiles, according to officials. The victim, a 49-year-old man, was killed in the Kharkiv region when his car was struck by a drone, as reported by regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Additionally, a gas pipeline was damaged and a warehouse was set alight in the city of Odesa, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine’s air force issued a statement confirming that its air defenses had successfully intercepted 56 of the 87 drones deployed by Russian forces, as well as two missiles across 14 regions within Ukraine, including Kyiv. It is reported that an additional 25 drones vanished from radar screens, presumably due to anti-aircraft missile defense systems.
This latest assault comes just a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his intention to present a “victory plan” during the Oct. 12 meeting of the Ramstein group of nations that provide arms support to Ukraine. In Washington last week, Zelenskyy had already presented his plan to U.S. President Joe Biden; however, its contents remain undisclosed. The plan is believed to include provisions for Ukrainian membership in NATO and the supply of long-range missiles capable of striking targets within Russia.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Ukrainian leader expressed his gratitude and admiration for the nation’s military forces as they prepared for the upcoming Ramstein meeting. They demonstrate what Ukrainians are capable of when they have enough weapons and sufficient range,” he stated in a social media post. We will keep convincing our partners that our drones alone are not enough. More decisive steps are needed – and the end of this war will be closer.