In a recent statement, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed grave concerns regarding the apparent silence from the United States following a series of devastating Russian attacks. This assertion comes in the wake of Moscow's most extensive aerial offensive since the onset of the conflict, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
On the night of the attack, Russia launched the highest number of drones and missiles in a single night, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 12 lives, including three children. The strikes, which affected numerous regions across Ukraine, left dozens more injured. This assault occurred just a day after one of the most severe bombardments targeting the capital, Kyiv, since the conflict began.
President Zelensky has underscored that the brutality of Russia's actions cannot be effectively curbed without significant pressure on the Russian leadership. According to Ukraine's Air Force, from 20:40 local time (17:40 GMT), Russia executed a series of strikes utilizing 367 missiles and drones. They reported successfully intercepting 45 cruise missiles and destroying 266 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with strikes recorded in 22 locations across the country.
Rescue operations are currently underway in over 30 cities and villages, as noted by Zelensky. Among the casualties were three young siblings from the Zhytomyr region—eight-year-old Stanislav, 12-year-old Tamara, and 17-year-old Roman—according to Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, Mariana Betsa.
Despite increasing international pressure, Russia has intensified its aerial campaign without showing any signs of slowing down or responding to calls for a ceasefire. In a direct message to US President Donald Trump, who has previously suggested that Putin might be interested in negotiating peace, Zelensky remarked: "The world may go on vacation, but the war continues, despite weekends and weekdays. This cannot be ignored." He highlighted that America's silence, along with the silence of other nations, only serves to embolden Putin.
Zelensky's references to American silence likely pertain to the additional sanctions that Washington has yet to impose on Moscow amidst its ongoing invasion. He argues that without sufficient pressure, Russia's war machine continues to operate unhindered, diminishing the Kremlin's incentive to engage in meaningful ceasefire discussions. While Trump has advocated for a more diplomatic approach in dealing with Russia, the lack of substantial progress in peace negotiations remains evident.
According to Russia's defense ministry, their strikes targeted critical infrastructure, including military airfields and ammunition depots, claiming damage across 142 areas. Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, reported that 13 regions were attacked, resulting in over 60 injuries, damage to 80 residential buildings, and the occurrence of 27 fires. Klymenko described the strikes as a calculated assault aimed at civilian populations.
In the Kyiv region alone, four individuals lost their lives, and 16 others were injured, including three children, as reported by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS). The conflict, which escalated dramatically with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, has seen Moscow currently occupying approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014.
Russia's previous largest drone assault occurred just a week ago, involving 273 drones targeting central Kyiv and other eastern regions. Reports indicate that Russia has not only increased the speed of its drone production but also improved their technology, making them harder to detect and more lethal. The 13 regions affected by the latest strikes include Kyiv and its surrounding areas, as well as Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv among others.
As Kyiv marked its annual Kyiv Day holiday, the city faced the grim reality of ongoing conflict and devastation. Local officials indicated multiple injuries and extensive damage to residential buildings, underscoring the profound impact of the aerial strikes on civilians. The situation remains critical, with calls for international intervention and support growing louder amidst the relentless attacks from Russia.
