Russia launched a massive overnight drone assault on Ukraine, deploying 267 drones in what the Ukrainian air force described as the largest attack of its kind since the war began.
This latest escalation comes as both countries approach the third anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion.
For months, Ukraine has faced nightly drone and missile strikes, but Saturday’s assault shattered the previous record of 193 drones from a December attack.
According to Ukraine’s air force, 138 Shahed drones were successfully intercepted, while another 119 either crashed or failed to cause damage.
Notably, three drones veered off course and entered Belarus, the air force reported on Telegram.
The strikes affected multiple regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Poltava, Kyiv, and Zaporizhzhia.
Odesa’s military administration confirmed that three people sustained injuries, while emergency services reported another casualty in Zaporizhzhia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the relentless efforts of Ukraine’s defenders, writing on X, “Every day, our people stand against aerial terror.”
He expressed gratitude to those on the front lines, including aviation units, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare teams, and mobile fire groups.
He also praised emergency responders for their role in saving lives.
“The war continues,” Zelenskyy added, urging all capable allies to bolster Ukraine’s air defense. “Everyone capable of helping with air defense must work to enhance the protection of human life. We must do everything possible to bring a lasting and just peace to Ukraine.”
He stressed the need for international unity, stating, “This is achievable through the unity of all partners — we need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who seeks lasting peace. I thank all our partners who help us and understand this.”
Russia’s intensification of drone strikes comes as Ukraine prepares to mark three years since the full-scale invasion, which followed Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and occupation of parts of the Donbas region.
Looking ahead to the war’s fourth year, diplomatic tensions are rising.
President Donald Trump’s administration is pursuing direct peace talks with Vladimir Putin’s team, without Ukraine’s participation. Kyiv has firmly rejected any deal made without its input.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, called on world leaders to recognize the significance of Russia’s latest attack. Responding to reports that the U.S. is blocking a G7 statement labeling Russia as the aggressor, Sybiha warned, “This demonstrates that avoiding calling Russia an aggressor does not change the fact that it is one. No one should trust Putin’s words. Look at his actions instead.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its counteroffensive, with Russia’s Defense Ministry reporting that 40 Ukrainian drones were downed in the past 24 hours.
