Russia has unleashed its most extensive aerial offensive since the war began three years ago, launching over 400 drones and more than 40 missiles across Ukraine, striking nine regions and killing at least six people. The barrage followed Ukraine’s recent strike on Russian cruise missile carriers, dubbed Operation Spiderweb.
According to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, the assault—carried out overnight—targeted nearly every part of the country, with the death toll likely to rise as rescue operations continue. “Today, rescue and emergency operations continued all day across various regions and cities of our country. Over 400 drones, more than 40 missiles were launched by the Russians. 80 people were injured, and some may still be under the debris,” Zelensky said in a post on X.
The Ukrainian State Emergency Service, confirmed the deaths of three firefighters in Kyiv, two civilians in Lutsk, and one person in Chernihiv. Scores of others have been wounded, and several buildings have been reduced to rubble.
President Zelensky added, “Unfortunately, not everyone in the world condemns such attacks. This is exactly what Putin exploits. He is buying himself time to keep waging war.”
Also read: Russia unleashes massive retaliatory drone strike on Ukraine
The airstrikes, which struck cities including Kyiv, Lviv, and Sumy, caused widespread damage and panic. Air raid sirens rang out through the night as emergency services scrambled to respond to the destruction.
The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating they were in retaliation for what it called Ukraine’s “terrorist acts”. The ministry referenced Operation Spiderweb, in which Ukrainian forces reportedly damaged a third of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers.
President Zelensky, reiterating his call for international support, warned against complacency. “The Russians constantly try to drive wedges into the unity of the world in order to prevent stronger pressure for their war. We must clearly see the task at hand. Diplomacy must work, security guarantees must be ensured, and peace must be established. For that, initial steps are needed, particularly a ceasefire. Pressure must be applied on Russia to make that happen and to stop the attacks.”
This assault comes just ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday, adding a grim note to what is traditionally a period of peace. As Ukraine braces for further escalation, the calls for a united international response are growing more urgent.
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