Kyiv, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia Attacked: Russia’s Night Strike Explained
The Ongoing Threat: Russian Attacks on Ukrainian Cities
Russian forces have launched another coordinated attack on Ukraine, targeting multiple cities with drones and missiles. This latest assault occurred during the night of March 14, with several powerful explosions reported in Kyiv, as well as in Sumy and the Zaporizhzhia region. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what has transpired.
Key Details of the Attack
- Drones and Ballistic Missiles: Russian units deployed groups of drones and ballistic missiles in the attack.
- Kalibr Carrier Vessels: The enemy used Kalibr cruise missile carriers in the Black Sea to launch attacks.
- Strategic Bombers: Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft were sent into the sky and launched missiles.
- Potential MiG-31Ks: Monitoring channels suggested that MiG-31Ks, equipped with Kinzhal missiles, may have been involved.
- Targeted Cities: Explosions were reported in Kyiv, Sumy, and the Zaporizhzhia region.
What Russia Is Using in the Attack
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the Russian military began launching drones at Ukraine starting late on March 13. The first drones were recorded in the Mykolaiv region. Additional drone attacks followed early on March 14, with targets including Sumy, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kirovohrad. By around 4:00 a.m., a large number of drones were in the Kyiv region.
At 3:05 a.m. Kyiv time, Russian forces conducted several series of ballistic missile launches. These missiles came from different directions and targeted the capital. An hour later, more missiles were fired at Kyiv. During this interval, missiles were also launched from the south, possibly including Zircon missiles, according to monitoring channels.
Around the time of the first ballistic missile launches on Kyiv, monitoring channels noted the deployment of Kalibr cruise missile carriers into the Black Sea. At 3:42 a.m. Kyiv time, the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed these launches. By 4:13 a.m., the first Kalibr missiles entered Ukraine through the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions.
On the night of March 13-14, Russian forces also sent Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers into the sky. Shortly after the Kalibr launches, the Air Force confirmed the release of cruise missiles from these bombers. At 4:25 a.m., the first missiles entered Ukraine through the Sumy region.
Most targets appear to be heading toward Kyiv. However, after detecting missiles launched from the Tu aircraft, monitoring channels reported the possible takeoff of MiG-31Ks. This led to a nationwide air alert.
Which Cities Were Attacked
Kyiv
The main target of the attack was Kyiv. Russian forces struck the capital with ballistic missiles after 3:00 a.m. and again around 4:00 a.m. Local authorities confirmed the attack and provided updates on the operation of air defense systems. Preliminary reports suggest that most drones were directed toward Kyiv and the surrounding region. No information is currently available regarding the consequences of the attack.
Sumy
Explosions were heard several times in Sumy at approximately 1:15 a.m. This coincided with the detection of enemy drones over the region. No details about the impact of the attack have been released.
Zaporizhzhia Region
Mykhailo Fedorov, head of the Regional Military Administration, confirmed that the Zaporizhzhia region was attacked at night. He did not specify the exact location but mentioned that a private house in the city was damaged. A fire broke out and was extinguished by emergency services. Injuries were reported among a 35-year-old woman, a 40-year-old man, and two children—a 16-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy. No further details about other potential consequences are available.
Previous Attacks on Ukraine
This is the latest in a series of combined strikes on Ukraine. The last such attack occurred exactly one week earlier, on the night of March 7. During that attack, Russian forces used ballistic weapons to target Kyiv and Kharkiv. Kyiv experienced fewer losses compared to Kharkiv, where an enemy missile hit a five-story residential building, causing significant damage.
