KYIV, Ukraine — A significant escalation in conflict occurred early Saturday as Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on multiple regions across Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported that at least three individuals were killed and dozens more injured in this coordinated assault. The attack targeted nine regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Kharkiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, stating that the primary targets were civilian infrastructure, residential areas, and commercial enterprises. Zelenskyy highlighted the devastating impact of a missile equipped with cluster munitions that struck a multi-story building in Dnipro. “Each such strike is not a military necessity but a deliberate strategy by Russia to intimidate civilians and destroy our infrastructure,” he emphasized in a statement shared on his official Telegram channel.
In a related note, Zelenskyy mentioned that he anticipates meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly next week. Additionally, he indicated that the first ladies of both Ukraine and the United States are expected to engage in discussions focused on humanitarian issues, particularly those concerning children. His remarks, initially embargoed until Saturday morning, underscore the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict.
Reports from the Dnipropetrovsk region revealed that at least 30 people sustained injuries from the attack, according to local governor Serhii Lysak. The eastern city of Dnipro faced significant damage, with several high-rise buildings and homes affected. In the Kyiv region, strikes were reported in Bucha, Boryspil, and Obukhiv, resulting in damage to residential property and vehicles. Meanwhile, in the western region of Lviv, Governor Maxim Kozytsky reported that two cruise missiles were intercepted and shot down by Ukrainian forces.
The Ukrainian Air Force disclosed that Russia launched a total of 619 drones and missiles during this attack. Their assessment indicated that 579 drones, eight ballistic missiles, and 32 cruise missiles were detected, with Ukrainian defense systems successfully downing 552 drones, two ballistic missiles, and 29 cruise missiles. "During the air strike, tactical aviation, particularly F-16 fighters, effectively engaged the enemy’s cruise missiles. Western weapons once again prove their effectiveness on the battlefield," the Air Force stated.
In a separate development, Russia's Defense Ministry denied allegations that its aircraft violated Estonia’s airspace. This statement followed reports from Tallinn indicating that three Russian fighter jets crossed into its territory without authorization and remained there for approximately 12 minutes. The incident has been characterized by Estonia’s top diplomat as an “unprecedentedly brazen” incursion, occurring just days after NATO planes intercepted Russian drones over Poland, amplifying concerns regarding the potential spillover of Moscow’s war on Ukraine.
Moscow asserted in an online statement that its fighter jets maintained operations in neutral Baltic Sea waters, over three kilometers (1.8 miles) from Estonia’s Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland. The statement claimed that the flight was executed in strict adherence to international airspace regulations, without infringing on the borders of other states, although details regarding the monitoring of this operation were not provided.
In response to the incident, Estonian officials summoned a Russian diplomat to express their protest and initiated “consultations among the allies” under NATO’s Article 4, which stipulates that member states confer when their territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened.
Poland’s Operational Command reported that Polish and allied aircraft were deployed again overnight due to ongoing Russian long-range airstrikes in neighboring Ukraine. In a subsequent post on social media platform X, the command described the operation as “preventive,” aimed at securing airspace in areas adjacent to the threatened zones. Polish jets have frequently been deployed in recent months to patrol national airspace in light of increased Russian attacks on Ukraine. Recently, NATO member Romania also deployed two F-16 jets to intercept a drone that briefly entered its airspace.
Looking ahead, President Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the prospect of solidifying long-term security guarantees for Ukraine during his upcoming meetings in New York. He indicated that discussions have been productive and that European nations are ready to advance a framework, pending continued engagement from the United States. “I would like to receive signals for myself on how close we are to understanding that the security guarantees from all partners will be the kind we need,” he stated.
Zelenskyy underscored the importance of maintaining sanctions against Russia should peace negotiations falter. He plans to address this critical issue in his discussions with Trump, asserting, “If the war continues and there is no movement toward peace, we expect sanctions.” His comments reflect the ongoing urgency for international support and commitment to Ukraine amidst the escalating conflict.
