Kiev (National Times): Russia unleashed its most devastating airstrike on Ukraine since the war began, launching a massive overnight aerial assault that Kyiv officials have described as the deadliest so far in the three-year conflict.
According to Ukrainian military sources, Russia launched a total of 537 aerial weapons, including 477 drones and 60 missiles, across the country late Saturday night into Sunday morning. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 249 of these were intercepted, while 226 were neutralized through electronic jamming.
“This was the largest air attack on Ukraine to date,” confirmed Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force Command, in a statement to the Associated Press. “The strikes involved multiple types of drones and missiles, targeting cities and infrastructure across every region, including the western territories far from the front lines.”
Civilian Casualties and Damage
In the Kherson region, local governor Oleksandr Prokudin confirmed the death of one civilian in a drone strike. Meanwhile, in Cherkasy, six individuals, including a child, were injured, said regional governor Ihor Taburets.
While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, officials say this attack marks a grim escalation in the ongoing war, as Moscow steps up pressure on Ukraine amid growing international tensions.
Polish Air Force on Alert
Poland’s military said its air force and NATO allies scrambled jets in response to the barrage, monitoring its airspace throughout the night. The incident has further raised concerns among Ukraine’s western neighbors about spillover effects and the broader security implications for Eastern Europe.
A Blow to Peace Hopes
The airstrike comes just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed openness to renewed peace talks in Istanbul, a gesture that now appears largely symbolic in light of this latest assault.
Ukrainian officials view the strike as an act of intimidation and provocation, undermining any genuine efforts toward dialogue.
“This is not the behavior of a government seeking peace — it’s the calculated terror of an aggressor,” said a senior Ukrainian defense official, speaking anonymously due to security concerns.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
With civilian casualties mounting and critical infrastructure under sustained attack, humanitarian groups are warning of deepening crises across Ukraine, particularly in regions previously considered relatively safe.
Aid agencies are calling for increased support from the international community to meet the growing needs of displaced populations and damaged hospitals, schools, and utilities.
Global Reaction Expected
The international response to this attack is expected to be swift. European and NATO leaders are likely to meet in the coming days to coordinate a response, amid calls for increased military and financial aid to Ukraine.
As Ukraine braces for possible follow-up strikes, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to address the nation with updates and a call for unity in the face of Russia’s most extensive attack yet.
