Russia unleashed the largest aerial barrage of the war on Friday, striking Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities with a record number of drones and missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that the attack involved hundreds of drones and multiple missile types, including ballistic and cruise missiles.
Fires erupted across Kyiv as falling debris and explosions damaged buildings, including sections of the Polish Embassy and China’s consulate in Odesa. Ukrainian officials reported damage to residential areas across five neighborhoods in the capital.
Trump-Putin Call Precedes Assault as U.S. Delays Crucial Air Defense Support to Ukraine
Just hours before the attacks began, former U.S. President Donald Trump had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump later stated that the conversation yielded “no progress,” though there is no confirmed link between the call and the timing of the assault.
The phone call marked the sixth interaction between the two leaders this year. Following the strikes, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where they discussed the barrage and Ukraine’s air defense needs, though details on U.S. support remained unclear.
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault of War as U.S. Delays Ukraine Defense SupportThe attack came shortly after the Trump administration announced a delay in delivering promised air defense systems and weaponry to Ukraine. These included critical Patriot missile systems, which are Ukraine’s only effective defense against fast-flying ballistic missiles like Russia’s Kinzhal.
While Ukraine has other European and locally produced systems for drones and cruise missiles, the absence of Patriots significantly weakens its protection. Despite Zelensky and Trump agreeing to improve Ukrainian air defense, no commitment was made on resuming the paused weapon shipments.
Russia Launches Record Drone Barrage, Rejects Cease-Fire Amid Rising Global Tensions
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 539 drones and 11 missiles overnight, making it the most extensive aerial attack to date. The barrage included one Kinzhal ballistic missile and six other ballistic missiles, with only two cruise missiles reportedly intercepted.
The assault killed one person and injured 26, including a child. Many of the drones were Shahed models, Iranian-designed and mass-produced by Russia, designed to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses. These drones, along with decoys, made Friday’s attack particularly difficult to repel.
During their phone call, Putin reaffirmed his demand for Ukrainian concessions before agreeing to a cease-fire, rejecting previous proposals supported by the United States and Ukraine. Trump has called for an unconditional cease-fire but has resisted applying further sanctions on Russia.
Ukrainian officials interpreted Friday’s attack as a clear message from Putin rejecting peace overtures. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha highlighted China’s complicity, noting that drone debris from the attack included Chinese components. The incident, he said, symbolized Putin’s willingness to escalate the war while involving foreign allies.