Russia launched its most extensive aerial assault on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began, firing 537 weapons—including missiles, drones, and glide bombs—on Monday, Ukrainian defense officials confirmed.

Widespread Destruction Despite Interceptions

Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said 318 of the 537 aerial threats were intercepted. However, cities like Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro reported significant infrastructure and civilian damage, with homes, schools, and power substations hit.

Ukrainian Interior Ministry reports noted that over 70 rescue operations were conducted across six regions.

Strategic Targets: Grid and Command Centers

Ukrainian intelligence said Russia appears to be pursuing a strategy of “energy attrition,” aiming to cripple the national power grid ahead of winter. Military command posts and radar installations were also hit.

A power station near Vinnytsia was struck by at least five missiles, leaving over 250,000 homes without electricity.

Zelenskiy Appeals for Patriot Systems

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy renewed calls for urgent military aid, especially long-range missiles and U.S.-made Patriot systems. “This is not just about protecting Ukraine. It’s about stopping Russian terror from spreading further across Europe,” he said in a video statement.