Russia launched a sweeping overnight drone offensive against Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials reporting that at least 800 drones were fired across 20 regions in what is being described as one of the largest aerial assaults since the war began.
The large-scale attack triggered air raid sirens across multiple cities as Ukrainian air defenses scrambled to intercept incoming drones. Authorities said the strikes caused widespread destruction and sparked emergency rescue operations in several regions.
Ukrainian officials said the assault heavily impacted Kyiv, while additional strikes were reported in Rivne and Odesa. Emergency crews in Odesa were seen extinguishing fires in damaged buildings and searching through debris for survivors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at least six people were killed in the attacks and dozens more, including children, were wounded. Ukrainian authorities also warned residents to remain alert for possible follow-up cruise and ballistic missile strikes.
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, HUR, said Russian forces focused their attacks on critical infrastructure and essential support systems, including energy facilities, defense industry sites, and government buildings in major urban areas.
Officials in Kyiv accused Moscow of intensifying military pressure after rejecting several ceasefire initiatives.
A Ukrainian defense ministry adviser said Russia deployed Shahed drones in coordinated formations near the Belarus border, with some drones reportedly flying only five to 10 kilometers apart. The adviser said the strategy appeared intended to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defense network and increase the number of successful strikes deep inside the country.
As the attacks unfolded, the Kremlin repeated its demand that Ukraine withdraw troops from Donbas and other territories claimed by Moscow, saying such a move could pave the way for meaningful peace negotiations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the conflict could end immediately if Kyiv agreed to Russia’s conditions.
Russian officials also announced leadership changes in two border regions frequently affected by the war. The Kremlin said the governors of Belgorod and Bryansk resigned at their own request.
According to Moscow, Alexander Khinshtein was appointed acting governor of Belgorod, while Igor Kobzev was named acting governor of Bryansk. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly met with both newly appointed acting governors following the announcement.
Belgorod and Bryansk, which border Ukraine, have faced repeated attacks and security incidents throughout the conflict.
