Russia unleashed its most extensive aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began, deploying 367 drones and missiles across more than 30 locations late Saturday through Sunday morning. The bombardment came just as Ukraine completed its largest prisoner exchange of the conflict, and amid fresh criticism from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over what he called a "silence" from the United States and international community.
According to Ukraine's air force, the wave included nine Iskander ballistic missiles, 56 cruise missiles, four guided air missiles, and 298 attack drones. Of these, Ukrainian defense systems reportedly neutralized 45 cruise missiles and 266 drones. The Interior Ministry reported 18 deaths, including three children, and 85 people injured. More than 80 residential buildings were damaged.
"Today, rescuers have been working in more than 30 Ukrainian cities and villages following Russia's massive strike," Zelenskyy posted on social media. "Ordinary residential buildings were destroyed and damaged... Tragically, people were killed, including children."
Strikes were reported in at least 22 locations, including the capital Kyiv, where university dormitories were among the buildings hit. Ukrainian officials described the assault as deliberate, targeting non-military urban centers. In contrast, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed it was a precision strike on Ukrainian military-industrial targets, including missile and drone facilities, and asserted that "all designated targets have been hit."
The barrage was the fourth consecutive night of attacks involving more than 100 air assault vehicles, highlighting a notable escalation in both volume and geographic scope. Ukraine's military reported the simultaneous downing of 110 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory, suggesting ongoing reciprocal hostilities despite the temporary humanitarian gesture of a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange.
President Zelenskyy criticized what he called global passivity in response to the attacks. "The silence of America, the silence of others around the world only encourage Putin," he said. "Sanctions will certainly help. Determination matters now - the determination of the United States, of European countries, and of all those around the world who seek peace."
Andriy Yermak, head of the presidential office, wrote, "Instead of a ceasefire, there are murders," adding, "Moscow will fight as long as it has the ability to produce weapons."
The latest escalation comes amid faltering U.S.-led diplomacy. While President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for an end to the war, his administration has declined to impose additional sanctions in response to Moscow's refusal to agree to a 30-day ceasefire. According to Kyiv, Trump's two-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin last week yielded no breakthroughs, with U.S. pressure reportedly softened in favor of preserving negotiation channels.
"Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped," Zelenskyy said Sunday. "Putin must be forced to think not about launching missiles, but about ending the war."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that the administration is pushing legislation to impose a 500% tariff on buyers of Russian oil and gas should diplomacy fail. Yet, he added, "Trump believes that right now, you start threatening sanctions, the Russians will stop talking."
While Washington held back, the European Union and United Kingdom independently imposed new sanctions last week targeting Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" - roughly 200 vessels facilitating Russian oil exports. The E.U. called the action part of its 17th sanctions package since Russia's February 2022 invasion.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow would soon deliver a draft peace agreement once the prisoner exchange was finalized. Trump praised both sides for the exchange deal, brokered in Istanbul, Turkey.
