Russia has launched its most intense drone and missile assault on Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, killing at least 12 people, including three children, and injuring dozens more. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that the overnight attack on Saturday affected more than 30 cities and villages, describing it as a “massive and ruthless strike.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes and reiterated calls for stronger international pressure on Russia. “Without really strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this cruelty cannot be stopped,” Zelensky said, urging fresh sanctions and more support from Western allies. He also criticized the United States for its muted response, stating that “America’s silence will only encourage Putin.”
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that from 20:40 local time Saturday, Russia launched 367 drones and missiles, including updated Shahed drones with more explosives and better evasion technology. Of these, Ukraine claims to have shot down 45 cruise missiles and neutralized 266 UAVs.
The Zhytomyr region witnessed the deaths of three children aged eight, 12, and 17, from the same family. Their parents are currently hospitalized. In the Kyiv region, four were killed and 16 injured. The capital saw multiple fires, structural damage to residential buildings, and a dormitory, with residents seeking shelter in metro stations.
Russia, on its part, claimed its strikes targeted military airfields, ammo depots, and electronic warfare stations. The Russian defence ministry also reported intercepting 110 Ukrainian drones across 12 regions and Crimea. In Moscow, 12 drones were shot down, with debris causing minor damage in the Tula region but no injuries.
The assault overshadowed Kyiv’s annual Kyiv Day celebrations and came amid ongoing prisoner exchanges. Over three days, 1,000 prisoners were exchanged—each side returning 500 personnel in total.
Despite recent direct talks in Turkey and a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump discussing a proposed ceasefire, Moscow has not agreed to a truce. Putin only indicated openness to a “memorandum” on possible future peace, leaving the prospect of an immediate ceasefire uncertain.
