Russia unleashed a massive assault on southern Ukraine overnight into Saturday, striking residential areas and leaving dozens of civilians wounded just days after a rare and deadly airstrike on central Kyiv. The escalation comes as U.S.-led peace efforts continue to falter.
Zaporizhzhia Governor Ivan Fedorov confirmed that at least one person was killed and 28 were wounded, including children, after a five-story residential building was hit. Ukrainian officials reported that Moscow launched 537 drones and decoys along with 45 missiles. Ukraine’s Air Force said it successfully intercepted or neutralized 510 of the drones and 38 missiles.
The strike follows Thursday’s attack on Kyiv that killed 23 people and injured many others, including children. That assault also damaged European Union diplomatic offices, marking one of the deadliest strikes on Ukraine’s capital since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Rescue workers searched for survivors for hours as residents were pulled from the rubble.
Despite the devastation, the Kremlin claimed it remained open to peace talks. However, Ukraine and Western leaders view the ongoing attacks as proof that Moscow has little interest in meaningful negotiations.
In response to the surge in Russian aggression, the Trump administration announced an $825 million arms sale to Ukraine, including extended-range missiles and equipment to strengthen Kyiv’s air defenses. The move signals continued U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense, even as broader efforts to secure a peace deal stall.
The intensification of Russia’s drone and missile campaign highlights both Moscow’s determination to pressure Ukraine militarily and the increasing urgency for Western allies to reinforce Ukraine’s defenses.
