Russia’s massive aerial assault kills four in Ukraine

Russia has launched one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine since the war began in 2022.

Ukrainian authorities reported 451 drones and missiles were fired overnight, striking Kyiv and several other regions.

The Air Force spokesman, Yurii Ihnat, confirmed 407 Shahed drones, 38 cruise missiles, and six ballistic missiles were deployed.

Ukrainian air defences intercepted over 200 drones and about 30 missiles during the coordinated strike.

In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said four people were killed, including three emergency service workers.

He also confirmed that at least 20 others sustained injuries in the capital during the night attack.

Officials have labelled the strike the second-largest since Russia began its full-scale invasion.

The largest occurred just days earlier, involving 472 aerial weapons in one barrage.

Air raid sirens wailed across Kyiv, but the alert was lifted by morning as emergency crews assessed damage.

In the north-western city of Lutsk, 15 drones and six missiles targeted civilian infrastructure.

Five people were injured in Lutsk, with structural damage reported in residential and government buildings.

Emergency teams have launched recovery operations in both cities amid continued threat warnings.

This latest attack comes shortly after Donald Trump claimed Putin warned of retaliation over Ukraine’s drone strikes.

Trump stated that Putin “assured him strongly” that Russia would respond to any attacks on its airbases.

Ukrainian officials condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them irresponsible and provocative during active conflict.

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s administration described the attack as a calculated attempt to terrorise civilians.

Officials said Russia aims to exhaust Ukraine’s air defence systems and undermine public morale.

The Defence Ministry added that Russia’s tactics show disregard for international humanitarian law and civilian safety.

The attack damaged energy facilities, transportation links, and several emergency response centres in Kyiv and Lutsk.

Footage from Kyiv shows firefighters battling flames in apartment complexes struck by falling debris.

Health workers treated dozens of trauma victims, many suffering shrapnel wounds and smoke inhalation.

UN representatives condemned the assault and urged renewed international support for Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called the attack “barbaric” and demanded Russia be held accountable.

The White House pledged continued military support, including Patriot missiles and anti-drone systems.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials warn that more strikes are likely in the coming days.

They urge civilians to remain alert and obey air raid signals, especially in frontline cities.

As Russia escalates aerial warfare, Ukraine braces for a prolonged battle over airspace control and civilian survival.

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