“Putin's reply to calls”: Ukraine's President and FM respond to massive Russian attack

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a statement.

“A massive combined attack targeted all regions of Ukraine overnight and into the morning. Russian terrorists deployed various types of drones, including Shaheds. Cruise, ballistic, and aerial missiles such as Zircon, Iskander, and Kinzhal. In total, around 120 missiles and 90 drones were launched. Our air defense forces destroyed over 140 air targets,” the president stated.

According to him, Russia targeted energy infrastructure across Ukraine, causing damage to facilities from both direct hits and falling debris.

Zelenskyy expressed condolences to the families and friends of those killed in Mykolaiv due to the drone attack, which resulted in two fatalities and six injuries, including two children. He added that, as of now, some areas remain without electricity, and all necessary forces are engaged in addressing the aftermath and restoring services.

He thanked the entire Ukrainian air defense system for their role in repelling the attack, including the anti-aircraft missile troops, aviation units—pilots of F-16s, Sukhoi, and MiGs—mobile fire groups, and electronic warfare teams.

Foreign Minister Sybiha's response

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also responded to the attack, emphasizing that it was Putin's response to all those who had been in contact with him.

“Russia launched one of the largest air attacks: drones and missiles against peaceful cities, sleeping civilians, critical infrastructure. This is war criminal Putin’s true response to all those who called and visited him recently. We need peace through strength, not appeasement,” he wrote on X.

• On Sunday morning, November 17, Russian forces launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine. Strategic bombers took flight, and cruise and ballistic missile launches were detected. Energy infrastructure was a primary target.