AFP: Russia launched record number of missile strikes on Ukraine in October

Russia has carried out a record number of missile strikes on Ukrainian soil throughout October, making it the highest such assault since early 2023.

This observation was made by AFP, which cited an analysis of daily statistics published by Ukraine’s Air Force, Caliber.Az reports.

The large-scale attacks have caused major power outages across the whole country, affecting tens of thousands of civilians.

According to their report, Russian forces have launched a total of 270 missiles over the month — a 46% increase compared to September. This marks the highest monthly total since Kyiv began regularly publishing such data in early 2023.

In addition, Russia has also launched 5,298 long-range drones that month, which marks a 6% decrease from September but is still among the highest figures in comparison to other months.

The agency noted that these strikes are in line with Moscow’s campaign, now in its fourth consecutive winter, of deliberately targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Due to the damage, several Ukrainian regions — including the capital — have once again faced rolling blackouts.

Kyiv and its allies have called such actions terrorism and an attempt to exhaust the civilian population. In response, Ukraine has been striking Russian oil depots and refineries in an effort to disrupt fuel supplies and create shortages inside Russia.

In October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia’s goal is to create “chaos” and intensify psychological pressure on the population through attacks on energy facilities and railway infrastructure.

By Nazrin Sadigova