Russia carried out one of its largest aerial attacks of the year on Ukraine. The strikes killed at least one person and injured 15, marking Russia’s third-largest drone attack and eighth-largest missile assault this year.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying 574 drones and 40 missiles against the capital Kyiv and western regions, including Lviv and Mukachevo. The attack caused significant damage to residential buildings and an American electronics factory, with thick smoke seen over affected areas. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism about Russia's willingness to negotiate peace, despite recent international discussions. He also reported a Russian troop buildup in southern Ukraine, raising concerns about a possible renewed ground offensive. Zelensky indicated he may meet Russian President Vladimir Putin if security guarantees for Ukraine are secured from Western allies.

Russia launches largest strike in weeks on Ukraine

Residents of Kiev sheltered in the metro on Wednesday night, while above ground Ukrainian air defence did its work, attempting to shoot down 574 Russian drones and 40 missiles, pointed at the capital and a range of targets in the west of the country. Rescue workers were mobilised in Lviv, where dozens of residential buildings were damaged. We heard terrifying sounds, explosions, the whole building where we were sheltering shook. People in this shelter were ducking and hiding their heads and shouting, especially the children. There are no windows left, everything was blown out. The walls are intact, but there are no windows. And in Mukachevo, where an American electronics factory was hit, the skies filled with a thick cloud of smoke. These western cities are far from the front line, but are where Ukraine is believed to store military aid received from allies. The aerial onslaught comes just days after President Trump's summit with his Russian counterpart, after which he told European leaders that Putin wanted to end the war, in his words, as crazy as it sounds. Something President Zelensky is sceptical of, taking to X after the strikes. The Russians carried out this attack as if nothing has changed at all, as if there are no global efforts to stop this war. This requires a response. There is still no signal from Moscow that they truly intend to engage in substantive negotiations and end this war. President Zelensky also told journalists on Thursday morning that Russia was building up troops in occupied regions of southern Ukraine, suggesting a renewed ground offensive may be at hand. He did not rule out, though, the idea of meeting with President Putin in person in early September, if and only if a deal is reached with western allies on security guarantees to protect Ukraine militarily.

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Russia launches largest strike in weeks on Ukraine

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Ukraine Invasion