Kyiv, Ukraine — Russia fires drones at Ukraine in its largest single-night drone attack of the war. Over 700 drones and missiles targeted multiple regions overnight, Ukrainian officials reported. The surge included decoy drones aimed at overwhelming Ukraine’s air defenses and disrupting Western arms deliveries.
The city of Lutsk, near Poland’s border and a key hub for military aid, suffered heavy damage. President Zelenskyy condemned the strike, accusing Moscow of “making a point” amid stalled peace talks and uncertain Western support.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed successful hits on Ukrainian air bases. In retaliation, Ukraine launched drone strikes inside Russian territory, killing three people, including a child, in the Kursk border region.
The extensive Russian assault involved 728 drones and 13 missiles. Ukrainian forces shot down 296 drones and seven missiles, while many were lost due to radar interference. Ten regions beyond Lutsk also experienced attacks, resulting in casualties.
Russia fires drones at Ukraine: Wider impact and international response
In reaction to the assault, Poland, a NATO member, scrambled fighter jets and heightened its alert status. Russia fires drones at Ukraine as part of broader intensified ground offensives along the 620-mile front, increasing pressure on Ukrainian troops.
President Zelenskyy, visiting Italy for a conference on rebuilding Ukraine, called on peace advocates to act decisively. The drone attack underscores Russia’s escalating military strategy against Ukraine.
On the same day, Europe’s top human rights court ruled that Russia violated international law during the conflict. The court held Moscow responsible for downing Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014, marking the first official accountability for Russia’s actions in the war.
Russia fires drones at Ukraine in ongoing efforts to break Ukrainian defenses and influence the conflict’s outcome. The recent escalation signals a new phase in Moscow’s war campaign.
