Russia Unleashes Largest Air Assault on Ukraine, Killing Dozens

In a devastating escalation of hostilities, Russia launched its most extensive drone-and-missile attack on Ukraine, striking multiple cities and villages across the country. The assault, which took place overnight, involved 367 drones and missiles, making it the largest aerial attack since the war began in 2022. 

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 69 missiles and 298 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed drones, were deployed in the attack. Ukrainian officials confirmed that at least 12 people were killed, including three children, and dozens more were injured. The strikes targeted Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernihiv, Sumy, Odesa, Poltava, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Cherkasy regions. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling for stronger sanctions against Russia and urging Western allies to take decisive action. He emphasized that without increased pressure on Moscow, such brutality would continue unchecked. 

The assault coincided with*Kyiv Day, a national holiday commemorating the founding of the Ukrainian capital, adding to the somber mood in the city. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia continued their largest prisoner exchange of the war, swapping hundreds of detainees despite ongoing hostilities. 

The attack underscores the intensifying conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to prevent further loss of life. As Ukraine braces for more strikes, the international community faces mounting pressure to respond decisively.