Russia Fires 17 Ballistic Missiles as US Votes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy links a massive overnight barrage to the timing of US congressional elections.
By Ethan Cook ·
Russia launched 17 ballistic missiles against Ukraine during the night of November 2 and 3. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the figure via X, noting the missiles were part of a larger overnight assault. The total attack included 289 attack drones and 59 cruise missiles. Air-raid warnings remained active in several regions as of early morning.
The strike marks the latest in a series of heavy Russian offensives. In October 2026, the Ukrainian Air Force recorded more than 4,000 jet-powered drones, approximately 150 ballistic missiles, and 80 cruise or air-launched missiles. Defense forces downed 309 drones and missiles during the overnight attack on November 2 and 3.
Zelenskyy described the operation as a complex large-scale attack primarily targeting critical infrastructure. The main hits struck energy facilities, generation plants, and substations. The blast zones covered Odesa, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Chernivtsi, Chernihiv, and Rivne oblasts. Emergency rolling blackouts continue in many cities and communities.
The president tied the timing of the attack to US congressional elections held on November 3. "It is very telling that all of this is happening on the day of the US congressional elections," Zelenskyy stated. "The Russians believe that America will not notice this signal from them. But such terror must be noticed and stopped."
He argued that Ukraine needs support to defend its skies to halt the missile strikes. "It is essential to help build peace honestly and reliably, and America can do that," he said. "Thank you to everyone who will not remain silent about this Russian attack." The attack targeted Kyiv, Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts as primary zones.
