Russia launches major aerial attack on Ukraine

Ukraine reports a large Russian air assault using drones and missiles amid stalled peace efforts.

Russia launches major aerial attack on Ukraine

Ukraine's air force says Russia launched one of its biggest aerial attacks of the year, firing 574 drones and 40 missiles. The strikes hit western regions, causing at least one death and 15 injuries, and targeted civilian and infrastructure sites. Officials say most missiles came from inside Russia and that the attack marks the third largest of the year in drones and the eighth largest in missiles.

The assault comes as a renewed U.S.-led push for a peace settlement unfolds. Kyiv says talks must be backed by stronger security guarantees and sanctions, while Moscow has shown limited willingness to negotiate. Zelenskyy condemned the overnight strikes and framed diplomacy as contingent on credible pressure from international partners. Ukrainian forces have also continued long-range attacks inside Russia, adding to a cycle of retaliatory actions that affect civilians and regional stability.

The episode underscores how war today blends mass drone use with fragile diplomacy. Russia relies on large drone swarms to overwhelm defenses and stretch Western support, while Kyiv leans on diplomacy to secure guarantees that could change the battlefield dynamics. The drift between negotiation and coercion risks prolonging a war that has already taken a heavy toll on civilians. The international response remains crucial: broader sanctions, guarantees, and credible threats of escalation could shape the next moves.

Highlights

Diplomacy and deterrence must move together to prevent another round of escalation.