Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, issued a strong condemnation on Sunday following a massive overnight drone assault by Russian forces. According to Zelenskiy, Russia launched over 200 drones in what has been described as the largest aerial attack of the ongoing war. The Ukrainian leader denounced what he termed as “aerial terror” and urged Ukraine’s allies to maintain unity in the face of escalating aggression from Moscow.
Taking to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Zelenskiy highlighted the relentless attacks that Ukrainians endure on a daily basis.
“Every day, our people stand against aerial terror,” he wrote.
He went on to reveal that, on the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Kremlin had launched a staggering 267 attack drones across various Ukrainian cities and villages. This, he noted, was the largest drone offensive since Iranian-manufactured drones first started being used by Russia to target Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine’s Air Force released an official statement confirming the details of the attack. According to their report, air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 138 of the incoming drones. Meanwhile, an additional 119 drones vanished from radar tracking after being jammed by Ukraine’s electronic warfare capabilities. The statement also confirmed that Russia launched three ballistic missiles alongside the drone attack, further increasing the level of destruction across the country. Damage from the onslaught was reported in at least five different regions of Ukraine
For months, Moscow has been conducting near-nightly aerial drone attacks on Ukrainian territory. Military experts believe these continuous barrages serve as a deliberate tactic designed to deplete Ukraine’s air defense systems, making the country increasingly vulnerable to future strikes. The latest attack is just one example of Russia’s sustained effort to weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace and critical infrastructure.
President Zelenskiy revealed more staggering statistics regarding Russia’s military aggression in the past week alone. He stated that, in total, nearly 1,150 attack drones, more than 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and 35 missiles of various types had been launched against Ukraine. These relentless strikes have heightened concerns about Ukraine’s capacity to maintain its air defense capabilities over the long
Despite the challenges, Zelenskiy expressed gratitude toward the personnel operating Ukraine’s air defenses, acknowledging their efforts in safeguarding cities and civilians against Russian attacks. He also emphasized the necessity for continued international support, urging Ukraine’s allies to stand firm in their backing of the country’s defense efforts.
“This is achievable through the unity of all partners,” Zelenskiy declared, emphasizing that securing a “just and lasting peace” requires the collective strength of Ukraine’s allies.
“We need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who seeks lasting pea
Ukraine’s government and its European allies are growing increasingly uneasy about recent developments concerning international relations. Notably, new U.S. President Donald Trump recently made controversial remarks about Zelenskiy, verbally attacking the Ukrainian leader and raising doubts about Washington’s continued support for Kyiv. These statements have created uncertainty about America’s commitment to Ukraine’s war efforts and have raised alarm among European partners who rely on U.S. leadership in countering Russian aggression.
Further complicating the situation was a recent high-level meeting in Riyadh between delegations from the United States and Russia. Notably, Ukraine was not invited to participate in these discussions, prompting concerns about potential backdoor negotiations that might undermine Ukraine’s interests. The exclusion of Kyiv from these talks has fueled speculation about whether diplomatic channels are being explored without Ukraine’s direct involvement.
As Ukraine continues to withstand relentless aerial bombardments, the country finds itself at a critical juncture. With escalating drone and missile attacks from Russia, Kyiv’s ability to defend itself relies heavily on the unity and unwavering support of its international allies. President Zelenskiy’s urgent call for solidarity underscores the importance of maintaining strong alliances to counter Moscow’s aggression and work toward a resolution that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security.
The coming weeks will likely prove crucial in determining how Ukraine’s allies respond to the evolving situation. With increasing geopolitical tensions and the looming uncertainty over continued U.S. support, Ukraine’s leadership remains steadfast in its plea for global unity to push back against Russia’s unrelenting assault.