The Russia Ukraine drone attacks surged overnight as both countries launched waves of cross-border strikes, underscoring the unrelenting nature of Moscow’s three-year invasion. Ukrainian officials reported widespread air defense activity, particularly in Kyiv, where damage to buildings was confirmed.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia fired 364 “air attack vehicles,” including nine cruise missiles and 355 attack drones. Of these, Ukrainian defenses reportedly shot down or neutralized 288 drones and all missiles. Impacts and falling debris were reported across at least 10 regions.
Zelenskyy Condemns Russian Assaults
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared the overnight Russia Ukraine drone attacks the largest drone assault since the full-scale war began. In a Telegram post, he blamed Moscow’s sense of “complete impunity” for the escalation, insisting that only global force — from the U.S., Europe, and allied nations — could halt Russia’s aggression.
“Only through force can we achieve a complete cessation of these attacks and real peace,” Zelenskyy wrote.
Russia Claims Drone Defense Success
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces downed 128 Ukrainian drones across 12 regions overnight. Ukrainian officials reported that “unknown drones” targeted a Shahed drone production facility in Russia’s Tatarstan Republic, as well as a chemical plant in the Ivanovo region that allegedly manufactures components for Russian military equipment.
Cross-Border Strikes Show No Signs of Slowing
The near-nightly Russia Ukraine drone attacks have become a hallmark of the prolonged war, with recent bombardments growing in both size and impact. Over the weekend, Russia unleashed what Ukrainian officials described as its largest aerial assault of the war, killing at least 18 people.
Trump Rebukes Putin and Zelenskyy
The escalating conflict drew sharp comments from President Donald Trump, who publicly criticized both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Speaking to reporters and posting on social media, Trump expressed frustration over the bloodshed and questioned Putin’s state of mind.
“I’ve known him a long time… but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all,” Trump said. He added that Putin’s ambitions for “all of Ukraine” could ultimately lead to Russia’s downfall.
Trump also targeted Zelenskyy, suggesting the Ukrainian leader’s rhetoric was harming chances for peace. “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop,” Trump posted.
Kremlin Reacts to Trump’s Comments
In response to the Russia Ukraine drone attacks and Trump’s remarks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov thanked the U.S. president for his role in facilitating negotiations, though he maintained that Putin’s decisions are focused on Russia’s national security. Peskov added that the Kremlin is monitoring “emotional reactions” related to the peace process.
Ukraine Pushes for Sanctions and Ceasefire
Ukrainian officials continue to press for tougher sanctions against Russia, arguing that Moscow’s relentless airstrikes show a lack of commitment to genuine peace talks. Kyiv has proposed a 30-day ceasefire to enable negotiations, but Russia has so far rejected the offer.
Zelenskyy renewed his call for a financial and trade blockade on Russia, warning that Moscow’s ability to wage war must be cut off. “The increase in Russian attacks should be met with increased sanctions,” he urged on Telegram.
“Russia must end this war of its own. And for that to happen, we must deprive their will to fight of resources,” Zelenskyy concluded.
