Russia has launched its most intense air assault on Ukraine to date, unleashing a record number of drones and missiles across multiple regions in a single night. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, over 360 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles targeted at least 22 locations, resulting in widespread destruction and casualties. The attack killed at least 12 people, including three children from the Zhytomyr region, and injured dozens more, as fires broke out and residential buildings were damaged in cities including Kyiv. Despite Ukraine’s efforts to intercept many of the incoming threats, the scale of the offensive marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, calling on the international community to increase pressure on Russia to halt its aggression and impose stricter sanctions.
The strikes came shortly after another major assault on Kyiv, the capital, which continues to face relentless attacks even during important civic holidays like Kyiv Day. Emergency services scrambled to contain fires and rescue trapped civilians, while residents sought refuge in deep metro stations as the sounds of air defense systems and explosions echoed through the city. The wave of attacks also extended beyond Ukraine’s borders, with Russian authorities reporting interceptions of Ukrainian drones over Russian regions including Crimea and Moscow. Though some debris from downed drones caused property damage, no injuries were reported on the Russian side. The intensity and technological sophistication of Russia’s drones, including improved Shahed models packed with explosives, underscore Moscow’s capability to sustain and escalate its military campaign.
The bombardments occurred amid the backdrop of a major prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, which saw over 1,000 soldiers and civilians returned to their respective countries in the largest swap since the war began. Despite this rare moment of cooperation, hopes for a lasting ceasefire remain slim as Russian President Vladimir Putin has not agreed to a proposed 30-day truce. Recent talks in Turkey and a phone call between Putin and former US President Donald Trump have yet to yield a concrete peace agreement. Zelensky criticized the international response, particularly pointing to the United States, urging for stronger action against Russia to end what he described as ongoing cruelty and war crimes. The conflict, now in its fourth year, continues to cause severe humanitarian and geopolitical repercussions.
