In a shocking and devastating overnight assault that has escalated the ongoing conflict, Russian forces unleashed an unprecedented barrage of 367 drones and missiles across various Ukrainian cities. This attack, which represents the largest aerial bombardment in the war to date, resulted in the tragic loss of 13 lives, including three innocent children in the city of Zhytomyr. In addition, dozens more were injured as the strikes targeted key urban areas including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi.

Despite the fierce onslaught, Ukraine's air force managed to intercept and down a significant number of the incoming threats, reportedly shooting down 266 drones and 45 missiles. However, the scale of destruction was extensive, with numerous apartment buildings and vital infrastructure suffering substantial damage.

In the capital city of Kyiv, the assault resulted in injuries to 11 individuals. Meanwhile, the city of Khmelnytskyi faced a particularly grim situation, reporting four fatalities as a direct consequence of the attacks. This assault followed another significant strike just days earlier on Friday, which also targeted Kyiv with a combination of drones and ballistic missiles, raising alarms among residents and officials alike.

In Mykolaiv, located in southern Ukraine, a harrowing report emerged from the regional governor concerning a Russian drone attack that claimed the life of a 77-year-old man and left five others injured. Eyewitnesses described the aftermath, highlighting a residential apartment building that was severely compromised, with a large gaping hole left in the structure due to the explosion, and debris scattered across the ground, further indicating the violent nature of the assault.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed his frustration and disappointment regarding the muted response from the United States during this ongoing crisis, particularly under former President Donald Trump’s administration. He called for stronger sanctions against Russia, asserting that “the silence of America and the silence of others in the world only encourages Putin.” In a statement shared via Telegram, he emphasized that “every such terrorist Russian strike is reason enough for new sanctions against Russia.”

Adding to this sentiment, Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Zelenskiy, echoed the call for international pressure. He stated, “Without pressure, nothing will change, and Russia and its allies will only build up forces for such murders in Western countries.” He further noted that as long as Moscow has the capability to produce weapons, the fighting will continue unabated.

In a parallel narrative, Russia claimed its own successes, stating that it had downed 95 Ukrainian drones, with 12 intercepted near Moscow within a mere four-hour timeframe. These claims illustrate the ongoing nature of the conflict, which shows no signs of resolution.

As the violence continues to escalate, Ukraine is actively advocating for a 30-day ceasefire, a move that it hopes will create a pathway for peace talks between the conflicting sides. Amidst this backdrop of aggression and conflict, both nations are concluding a significant prisoner exchange, reportedly swapping 1,000 individuals each, a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil.

Published By: Ajmal
Published On: May 25, 2025