Russian forces unleashed the most extensive aerial assault of the war overnight, firing a total of 367 drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, Ukrainian officials have confirmed. At least 12 people were killed and dozens more injured in the attacks, which struck multiple regions across the country.
Local authorities in Zhytomyr, in northern Ukraine, said three children were among the dead. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko described the assault as a “ruthless, combined strike targeting civilians,” adding that its purpose was to “instil fear and cause death.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the United States to take a firmer stance on Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, following what he termed the “silence” from Washington since President Donald Trump assumed office.
“The silence of America, and of others around the world, only emboldens Putin,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram. “Each terrorist strike by Russia is reason enough for new sanctions.”
Although other attacks have resulted in higher casualties, this was the largest so far in terms of the sheer volume of weapons deployed. Ukraine’s air force reported that 298 drones and 69 missiles were launched, of which 266 drones and 45 missiles were intercepted.
Also Read:Â European Union Imposes New Sanctions on Russia
Strikes were recorded in several major urban centres, including Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, as well as Mykolaiv in the south and Ternopil in the west.
The attack comes as Ukraine and Russia enter the final day of a planned prisoner exchange, in which each side is set to release 1,000 detainees.
Ceasefire Efforts Falter
The strike also underscored the ongoing difficulty of securing a ceasefire. Ukraine, backed by its European allies, has been urging Moscow to agree to a 30-day pause in hostilities as a precursor to broader peace talks. However, these efforts faced a setback earlier this week when President Trump declined to impose additional sanctions on Russia for rejecting Kyiv’s call for an immediate ceasefire.
