Russia launched large-scale drone and missile strikes across Ukraine early Friday, targeting the capital Kyiv and other regions, including Lutsk and Ternopil. The attacks, described as among the most intense since the beginning of the war, resulted in at least three confirmed deaths and 49 injuries, with casualties likely to rise. Kyiv faced extensive disruptions, including damage to residential buildings and the metro system, forcing tens of thousands of civilians into underground shelters.
Russia Claims Retaliation For Ukraine’s Attacks While Zelensky Calls For Global Pressure
Russia’s defense ministry justified the attacks as a retaliatory response to what it called “terrorist acts by the Kyiv regime.” They stated that military infrastructure was the intended target, using high-precision, long-range weapons launched via air, sea, and land, along with drones. The strikes follow Ukraine’s recent drone offensive, known as the “Spider’s Web” operation, which hit multiple Russian airbases and damaged a third of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers.
Russia Unleashes Massive Strikes on Ukraine as Zelensky Urges Global Action and Peace Talks StallPresident Volodymyr Zelensky used the opportunity to urge stronger international pressure on Russia, particularly from the United States and European allies. In a pointed message, he criticized any reluctance to act against Russia as “complicity,” directly alluding to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s ambiguous stance. Zelensky emphasized that the war can still be stopped, but only through decisive global intervention.
Widespread Strikes Hit Multiple Ukrainian Cities Amid Escalating Tensions And Failed Peace Talks
In addition to Kyiv, the strikes impacted several cities and regions. In Lutsk, 15 drones and six missiles injured five people. Ternopil experienced what officials called its most severe aerial assault yet, injuring another five and damaging homes, schools, and government buildings. Cities like Kharkiv, Sumy, and Luhansk also faced air raid alerts. Explosions and drone activity were reported throughout the country, contributing to a night of fear and chaos for civilians.
The strikes follow a breakdown in peace negotiations earlier this month in Istanbul, where Russia rejected Ukraine’s demand for an unconditional ceasefire. Russia offered only limited, temporary truces in certain areas. Former President Trump disclosed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had warned of a strong military response to Ukraine’s attacks during a lengthy phone call. Trump has reportedly given Putin a two-week window to act, suggesting that the U.S. may alter its policy if Putin continues to delay serious peace efforts.