Russia Launches Massive Aerial Assault on Ukraine With 400 Drones and 40 Missiles, Says Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of launching one of the largest aerial offensives in recent months, involving over 400 drones and 40 missiles, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction across several regions.

In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Zelensky described the coordinated assault as a brutal continuation of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukrainian cities and civilians.

“Russia doesn’t change its stripes – another massive strike on cities and ordinary life,” Zelensky said. “They targeted almost all of Ukraine – Volyn, Lviv, Ternopil, Kyiv, Sumy, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions.”

Casualties and Destruction

Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian air defences managed to intercept some of the incoming aerial weapons, but not all.

“Some of the missiles and drones were shot down. I thank our warriors for their defence. But unfortunately, not all were intercepted,” he said.

According to Zelensky, the assault injured at least 49 people and killed three, all of whom were members of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

“My sincere condolences to their families,” he added. “Emergency services are now clearing rubble and conducting rescue operations. All damage will be repaired.”

He warned that the number of casualties may rise as rescue efforts continue.

Call for Global Action

Zelensky used the opportunity to renew his appeal for increased international pressure on Russia, calling for stronger global action to stop the war.

“We’ve done a lot together with the world to enable Ukraine to defend itself,” he said. “But now is exactly the moment when America, Europe, and the entire world must act decisively.”

He criticized nations that delay decisive intervention, stating,

“If someone is not applying pressure and is giving the war more time to take lives – that is complicity and accountability.”

Peace Talks and Stalled Ceasefires

Despite repeated international appeals for peace, ceasefire efforts between Russia and Ukraine remain stalled. Recent talks in Turkey led to another prisoner exchange, but little progress was made toward a broader resolution.

Ukrainian negotiators accused Russia of refusing an unconditional ceasefire, while Russian officials reportedly proposed only a limited two-to-three-day truce in specific areas along the front.

The ongoing conflict, now in its third year, continues to inflict heavy human and infrastructural tolls, with no immediate end in sight.