Russian forces have launched the largest aerial attack of the war on Ukraine, devastating several cities including Kyiv with 367 drones and missiles, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people and numerous injuries. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the United States to condemn Russia’s actions, stating that global silence emboldens Vladimir Putin. The attack comes amid preparations for the third and final day of a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, with the US urging an immediate ceasefire. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russian forces launched 298 drones and 69 missiles, although they managed to intercept most of the attack. The assault has left damage across several key cities, including Kharkiv and Mykolaiv, as Ukrainian officials and allies push for a ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict.
The attack, which occurred overnight, involved a barrage of drones and missiles targeting Ukrainian cities, including major regional centers. Ukrainian officials confirmed that three children were among the fatalities in the northern region of Zhytomyr. The death toll has been reported to be at least 12, with over 60 injured. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko emphasized that the strike was a ‘combined, ruthless attack aimed at civilians’, highlighting the ongoing brutality of the war. The casualties and injuries have added to the growing tension between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides preparing to conduct the third and final day of the prisoner exchange.
President Zelenskyy’s call for the United States to speak out reflects the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict. The US has taken a more restrained stance on Russia’s actions, particularly after President Donald Trump took office, with the administration avoiding direct condemnation of Russia’s actions. Zelenskyy’s appeal comes as part of his broader efforts to pressure the international community to support Ukraine’s position. The US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, condemned the attack as a violation of the Geneva Peace Protocols and called for an immediate ceasefire. Ukrainian and European allies are pushing for a 30-day ceasefire as a first step toward peace negotiations, but these efforts have faced obstacles, particularly with Trump’s resistance to imposing further sanctions on Moscow.
The attack also highlights the increased frequency and intensity of Russia’s aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities. In addition to Kyiv, other cities such as Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Ternopil were targeted, causing significant damage. Ukrainian officials have reported the impact of the attack, with Tymur Tkachenko of Kyiv noting that 11 people were injured in drone strikes, although no deaths were reported in the capital. Meanwhile, the regional governor of Mykolaiv confirmed that a drone strike resulted in the death of a 77-year-old man and injured five others. The scale of the attack underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine in defending its territory and population from Russian aggression.
The international community’s response to the attack has also been marked by calls for further sanctions against Russia. President Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, stressed that without pressure, Russia will continue its aggressive actions. The Ukrainian president’s statement highlights the political and military implications of the ongoing conflict, with the hope that increased pressure will lead to a peaceful resolution. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains divided in its approach to addressing the conflict, with some countries calling for stronger measures and others advocating for diplomatic engagement. The prisoner swap, scheduled for the third and final day, remains a crucial step in the broader effort to find a resolution to the war.