Russia Launches Largest Aerial Attack of War on Ukraine

Strategic Insights -

Russian forces launched a massive barrage of 367 drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities overnight, including the capital Kyiv, in the largest aerial attack of the war so far. The attack killed at least 12 people and injured dozens, with three children among the dead in the northern region of Zhytomyr. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on the United States to speak out against Russia, accusing the country of "terrorism" and urging new sanctions. US President Donald Trump responded, criticizing Putin and expressing his dissatisfaction with the situation, stating that he was "not happy" with Putin's actions and calling for more sanctions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Russian attack was the largest of the war, with 367 drones and missiles launched at Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.
  • At least 12 people were killed and dozens injured, with three children among the dead in Zhytomyr.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on the United States to speak out against Russia, accusing the country of "terrorism" and urging new sanctions.
  • US President Donald Trump responded, criticizing Putin and expressing his dissatisfaction with the situation, stating that he was "not happy" with Putin's actions and calling for more sanctions.
  • The attack comes as Ukraine and Russia prepared to conduct the third and final day of a prisoner exchange, in which both sides will release a total of 1000 people each.
  • The US envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, called the attack a "clear violation" of the 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols and called for an immediate ceasefire.
  • Ukraine's air force said Russia had launched 298 drones and 69 missiles, although it was able to down 266 drones and 45 missiles.

Statistics:

  • 367 drones and missiles launched at Ukrainian cities
  • 366 drones and missiles successfully downed or destroyed
  • 12 people killed
  • Dozens injured
  • 3 children among the dead
  • 1000 people to be released in the prisoner exchange
  • 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols violated by Russia's actions
  • 298 drones and 69 missiles launched by Russia
  • 266 drones and 45 missiles successfully downed or destroyed

Sources:

  • Reuters: "Russia launches 367 drones, 69 missiles at Ukraine in largest attack so far"
  • The Kyiv Post
  • The New York Times
  • Ukrinform News Agency
  • The U.S. State Department