Major Drone and Missile Attack by Russia on Ukraine

The **Ukrainian Air Force (UAF)**, established on March 17, 1992, emerged from the vast Soviet aviation assets left in Ukraine after the USSR’s dissolution, inheriting one of the largest air fleets globally, second in Europe only to Russia and the US[5][6]. Initially equipped with over 2,000 aircraft including fighters like MiG-21, MiG-29, and Sukhoi jets, as well as strategic bombers such as the Tu-160, the UAF was capable of a full range of air power roles including nuclear strategic attack[6][7]. However, Ukraine relinquished its nuclear arsenal and strategic bombers in the 1990s under the Budapest Memorandum, drastically reducing its air strike capabilities[6]. The UAF’s core missions include protecting Ukrainian airspace, defeating enemy air forces, supporting ground troops via air assault and reconnaissance, and conducting airlift operations[2]. A major reform in the early 2000s merged the Ukrainian Air Defence Forces (established from the Soviet 8th Air Defence Army) into the Air Force, creating a streamlined tri-service structure aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and eliminating redundant command layers[2][4]. Modernization efforts focus on developing a smaller, mission-ready force by improving pilot skills, updating aircraft and armaments, and optimizing force deployment[2]. Despite post-Soviet downsizing and budget constraints, the UAF maintains a diverse fleet including fighters, attack aircraft, transport planes, trainers, and helicopters, with roughly 318 aircraft and 200,000 personnel as of recent estimates[7]. Notably, Ukrainian pilots have gained international recognition for their skill, with aerobatic champions like Colonel Mykola Koval enhancing the Air Force’s prestige[5]. Since the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea and the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, the UAF has been critical in defending Ukrainian sovereignty. It has undergone significant modernization, increased NATO cooperation

## Overview The Associated Press (AP) is the world’s largest newsgathering organization, operating as a nonprofit cooperative owned by its member newspapers and broadcasters in the United States[1][7]. It delivers news, photographs, video, and audio to over 1,700 member newspapers, 6,000 broadcasters, and 8,500 other subscribers in 110 countries[1]. AP’s mission is to advance the power of facts through independent, nonpartisan, and fact-based journalism, reaching an estimated four billion people daily[4][7]. ## History AP was founded in 1846 when five New York City newspapers pooled resources to share the cost of covering the Mexican-American War, pioneering the concept of cooperative newsgathering[3][4][8]. Originally known as the New York Associated Press, it expanded as regional groups formed and merged, leading to the modern AP’s incorporation in 1900 after legal and organizational shifts[2][3]. From the start, AP focused on accurate, timely reporting—a tradition that continues today[4][7]. ## Key Achievements AP has been a pioneer in news technology, establishing the first leased telegraph wires for news transmission in 1875 and launching innovative services like APTN (television news) and AP All News Radio[1][5]. Its journalists have won 59 Pulitzer Prizes, including 36 for photography, reflecting a consistent commitment to excellence[7]. AP has reported on every major global event since the mid-19th century, from wars and elections to cultural milestones[4][6]. ## Current Status Today, AP operates nearly 250 bureaus in almost 100 countries, producing approximately 400,000 stories, 80,000 videos, and 1.2 million photos annually[4][7]. It remains financially independent, funded by its members and subscribers rather than government or private ownership, ensuring editorial independence[6][7]. AP’