Russia unleashed a massive overnight aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying 597 drones and 26 long-range missiles, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Saturday. The midnight barrage, described as one of the largest in recent weeks, targeted several regions, including the capital Kyiv, and comes just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a renewed offensive in the northeastern Sumy and southern Odessa regions.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 319 Iranian-made Shahed drones and 25 missiles were intercepted, while one missile and around 20 drones managed to strike at least five locations across Ukraine. “Twenty-six cruise missiles and 597 attack drones, of which more than half were Shaheds,” were launched, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, adding that Russia continues to test Ukraine’s defences with “waves of terror.”
The strike follows Putin’s statement calling for the creation of “buffer zones” in Sumy and Odessa. While he has publicly declared a willingness to reach a permanent ceasefire, he reiterated his long-term objective of full control over Ukraine, especially after the European Union pledged billions of dollars in military aid to Kyiv.
Also read: Russia launches midnight aerial strikes on Ukraine
Zelensky condemned the renewed attacks and urged the West to impose further punitive measures against Russia. “Words must be backed by action,” the Ukrainian leader said, calling for “immediate sanctions on Russia to prevent the latest air strikes from Russian forces.”
He singled out nations and companies “helping Russia produce drones and profit from oil,” demanding targeted penalties on those contributing to Moscow’s drone production and weapons supply chain.
Despite mounting international condemnation, experts say sanctions are unlikely to halt such attacks in the short term, given Russia’s self-reliance in energy and defence exports.
The air raids have heightened anxiety across Ukraine, particularly in areas already facing heavy shelling. Emergency services were deployed across the five impact sites, and no civilian casualties were reported at the time of filing.
Zelensky’s latest appeal follows increasing frustration in Kyiv over what it sees as a gap between Western promises and tangible action on the ground.
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