Wave of Attacks Across Ukraine
Russia launched a massive overnight barrage of drones and missiles on cities across Ukraine, killing at least 18 people and injuring 85 others, Ukrainian officials said Sunday. The attacks came just hours after the largest prisoner exchange of the war was completed.
Ukraine’s air force reported 367 aerial attack vehicles were launched, including ballistic and cruise missiles as well as nearly 300 drones. Most regions were affected, with strikes in 22 locations. Kyiv’s dormitories and factories were among the targets.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media, “Today, rescuers have been working in more than 30 Ukrainian cities and villages following Russia’s massive strike.”
“These were deliberate strikes on ordinary cities,” he added. “Ordinary residential buildings were destroyed and damaged. In Kyiv, dormitories of the university’s history department were hit. There were also strikes on enterprises. Tragically, people were killed, including children.”
Russia Justifies Attack, Ukraine Disputes Intent
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the attack targeted Ukraine’s defense infrastructure: “a massive strike by sea, air, land-based precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles against enterprises of Ukraine’s military-industrial complex.”
“The targets of the strike have been achieved,” the ministry stated.
Ukraine’s Interior Ministry reported 80 residential buildings were damaged and 27 fires were recorded. Among the dead were three children from one family.
Escalation Amid Peace Stalemate
The assault marked the fourth consecutive night of large-scale missile and drone strikes, highlighting Moscow’s intensified campaign despite ongoing calls for peace.
The barrage came just as Ukraine and Russia completed a major prisoner exchange involving around 1,000 troops on each side. This was the largest such exchange since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Calls for Stronger Action Against Russia
Zelenskyy called for renewed international pressure. “Each such terrorist Russian strike is a sufficient reason for new sanctions against Russia,” he said.
“The war can be stopped, but only through the necessary force of pressure on Russia. Putin must be forced to think not about launching missiles, but about ending the war.”
Andriy Yermak, head of the president’s office, added, “Instead of a ceasefire, there are murders.”
“Without pressure, nothing will change and Russia and its allies will only build up forces for such murders in Western countries,” he warned.
Stalled Peace Talks and Persistent Demands
Despite U.S.-brokered peace talks under President Donald Trump, no ceasefire has been reached. Ukraine demands a 30-day ceasefire to initiate peace negotiations, while refusing to cede any territory.
Russia continues to demand the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, the retention of Crimea, a ban on NATO membership for Ukraine, and so-called “denazification.” Ukrainian leaders argue these conditions demonstrate Russia’s lack of commitment to real peace.
For more updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.