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Moscow launches largest air offensive against the Ukrainian capital.
Moscow launched a large-scale attack against Kiev in the early hours of November 15, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The skies over the Ukrainian capital were flooded with missiles and drones in an operation that President Volodymyr Zelensky described as deliberately calculated to cause maximum damage to the civilian population and infrastructure.
Numbers and scale of the attack
The attack used approximately 430 drones and 18 missiles, The bombing included ballistic and aeroballistic projectiles, according to information from the Ukrainian president. The bombing caused fires in residential buildings scattered throughout several districts of the capital.
The consequences were immediate: At least six people have died. and about 30 were injured, including two children and a pregnant woman. The intensity of the operation reflects a Russian tactical shift in response to recent territorial gains in the south of the country.
Strategic context
The attack comes at a time when Russia is advancing territorially in southern Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from several villages in Zaporizia during intense fighting against Russian troops, creating a critical situation on the front lines.
This air operation represents the continuation of a strategy of simultaneous pressure: gains on the ground combined with massive bombing raids against urban centers. The magnitude of the attack—with more than 400 drones deployed—demonstrates an escalation capability that significantly complicates Ukrainian air defense efforts.
What changes for 2026?
The escalation observed in mid-November 2025 points to a possible intensification of operations by both sides in the coming year. For Ukraine, the combined pressure of territorial advances and massive bombings calls into question the long-term sustainability of its defense. For the international community, signs like these reinforce the urgency of diplomatic solutions and increased allied military support.
Photo by Maksym Diachenko on Unsplash
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