Russia unleashed its largest overnight assault on Ukraine in weeks, launching 537 drones and 45 missiles across multiple Ukrainian cities. The massive bombardment killed at least one person and injured 24 others in Zaporizhzhia, including three children. Scores of homes and businesses were destroyed in the widespread attacks targeting Zaporizhzhia, Pavlohrad, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Lutsk, and Cherkasy.
Ukraine's air defenses successfully intercepted 510 drones and 38 missiles from the Russian barrage. The scale of the attack prompted an immediate military response from NATO allies stationed near the Ukrainian border.
NATO scrambled fighter jets in Poland as the Russian strikes intensified overnight. The Warsaw armed forces operation command activated "all available forces and resources" with air defense systems reaching maximum alert status. Polish and allied aviation began operating in Polish airspace in direct response to the Russian Federation's attacks on Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian Counter-Strikes
Ukraine launched retaliatory strikes targeting two Russian oil refineries in Krasnodar and Syzran. The Ukrainian attacks caused significant damage and fires at both facilities, according to Russian authorities. The Krasnodar refinery produces three million tonnes of light petroleum products annually.
The attacks targeted civilian areas, energy facilities, and rail infrastructure across Ukraine. Regional officials reported that Russian strikes destroyed private houses and damaged cafes, service stations, and industrial enterprises in the affected areas.
Peace Process Undermined
The massive escalation has cast serious doubts on diplomatic efforts to resolve the three-year conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of carrying out "massive attacks" instead of preparing for potential peace talks.
Zelensky said: "Russia once again shows its utter disregard for words. This war won't stop with political statements alone; real steps are needed." He called for tougher sanctions against those "bankrolling the Russian army" and effective banking and energy sanctions against Moscow.
The Ukrainian leader had previously indicated his officials wanted to meet with US President Donald Trump and European leaders next week. A US diplomat warned at a UN Security Council emergency meeting that the strikes "cast doubt on Russia's desire for peace."
Sources used: "Metro", "The Guardian", "Daily Mail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
