Russia has launched one of its largest air assaults on Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict, leading to widespread devastation and the tragic loss of lives. According to the Ukrainian air force commander, Mykola Oleshchuk, the overnight barrage of missiles and drones on Monday was one of the most intense attacks to date.

In the early hours, Russian forces fired 127 missiles and 109 drones, targeting more than half of Ukraine's regions. The relentless assault resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, with dozens more injured. Ukraine's power infrastructure was severely impacted, causing widespread blackouts across the country. As air raid alerts blared, citizens were urged to take shelter, with many seeking refuge in metro stations.

The Russian government confirmed that its attacks focused on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, a tactic it has consistently employed throughout the conflict. The strikes continued throughout the day, with a civilian infrastructure building in the eastern city of Kryvyi Rih being hit by a Russian missile. This particular attack claimed the life of one woman, while another five people are reported missing.

Despite the overwhelming force of the attack, Ukrainian air defense systems managed to intercept 102 missiles and 99 drones, as reported by Oleshchuk. He described the onslaught as "the most massive aerial attack" Ukraine has faced so far.

NATO member Poland reported that an "object," believed to be a drone, entered its territory during the attack. Army spokesperson Jacek Goryszewski suggested that the object's trajectory and speed indicated it was not a missile. NATO condemned the airspace breach, labeling it as "irresponsible and potentially dangerous."

This attack surpasses a previous record from December when 158 missiles and drones were launched at Ukraine. While the primary objective was to damage energy infrastructure, the assault also aimed to diminish Ukrainian morale, especially after recent successful incursions by Ukrainian forces into Russian territory.

Russia's latest attack sends a clear message to Ukraine and its allies: the Kremlin retains the capability to inflict severe hardship on the Ukrainian population at any time.

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