Russia launches largest air attack yet on Ukraine

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has launched its largest air assault on Ukraine to date, employing a record number of missiles and drones in a single night. This devastating attack resulted in the tragic loss of at least 12 lives, including three children, and left dozens more injured across various regions. The assault occurred just one day after Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, experienced one of the most intense bombardments since the war began. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the brutality of the attacks, asserting that such violence cannot be halted without substantial pressure on the Russian leadership. He criticized the lack of response from the United States and other nations, suggesting that this silence only emboldens Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky's comments seem aimed at influencing US President Donald Trump, who has previously indicated that Russia is interested in negotiating an end to the conflict. According to Ukraine's Air Force, from 20:40 local time on Saturday, Russia executed strikes involving 367 missiles and drones. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 45 cruise missiles and destroyed 266 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with impacts reported in 22 locations across the country. Rescue operations were underway in over 30 cities and towns following the extensive strikes, as President Zelensky emphasized the ongoing nature of the war, stating, 'Russia is dragging out this war and continues to kill every day. ' He highlighted that while the world may take a break for the weekend, the war persists without regard for days of the week, a reality that cannot be overlooked. The Russian defense ministry claimed to have targeted military airfields, ammunition depots, and electronic warfare stations, asserting damage across 142 areas. Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs, reported that 13 regions were struck, resulting in over 60 injuries, damage to 80 residential buildings, and 27 fires. He characterized the assault as a 'combined, ruthless strike aimed at civilians. ' Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Russia has gained control of approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. The scale of the recent drone and missile attack marks a new high for Russia, which has not only increased its production capabilities but also enhanced the technology of its weapons. The Shahed drones, for instance, are now equipped with greater explosive power and improved stealth features. The previous largest drone attack targeted the central Kyiv region and parts of Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk in the east. The regions affected by the latest strikes included Kyiv and its surrounding areas, as well as Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Sumy, and Poltava. Among the deceased were three children aged 8, 12, and 17 from the Zhytomyr region, all from the same family, while their parents were hospitalized. In Kupiansk, two women aged 85 and 56 lost their lives when their home was struck. In the Kyiv region, four individuals were killed, and 16 others were injured, including three children. Local officials reported 11 injuries in Kyiv, along with multiple fires and damage to residential structures, including a dormitory. Many residents sought refuge in the city's deep metro stations as the sound of drones filled the air, occasionally interrupted by the loud booms of air defenses and the sounds of explosions. A BBC colleague reported that a block of flats was destroyed just a short drive from her residence. This attack coincided with Kyiv's annual holiday, known as Kyiv Day. In Russia, the defense ministry claimed to have intercepted 110 Ukrainian drones over 12 regions, including Crimea. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, reported that 12 drones targeting the capital were shot down, and emergency services were dispatched to assess damage from falling debris. In the Tula region, drone wreckage fell in a residential area, breaking windows in several apartments, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Additionally, this Sunday marked the final day of a significant prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia. Over the weekend, both sides exchanged 390 soldiers and civilians, the largest swap since the onset of the war. On Saturday, President Zelensky announced that another 307 Ukrainian prisoners had returned home, and by Sunday, both nations confirmed the return of 303 soldiers, bringing the total exchanged over three days to 1,000 prisoners each. This exchange followed the first in-person discussions between the two sides in three years, which took place in Turkey. Earlier this week, Trump and Putin engaged in a two-hour phone conversation to discuss a proposed ceasefire deal from the US. Trump expressed optimism about the call, stating that Russia and Ukraine would 'immediately start' negotiations toward a ceasefire and an end to the war. However, Putin only mentioned that Russia would collaborate with Ukraine to draft a 'memorandum' for a 'possible future peace' and did not agree to a 30-day ceasefire.