Russia launched a massive overnight aerial attack on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and several other regions with hundreds of Iranian-made drones and missiles. The 10-hour assault—among the most intense of the war—occurred just hours before a key international summit in Rome focused on Ukraine’s reconstruction.
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia deployed approximately 400 attack drones and 18 missiles, with the capital Kyiv and its surrounding areas bearing the brunt of the offensive. Other regions hit included Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, Kirovohrad, and Kharkiv.
“This is a clear escalation of terror by Russia,” Zelenskyy stated, condemning the repeated use of Shahed drones and calling for stronger Western support.
Civilian Casualties and Damage
Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed two fatalities in Kyiv—an elderly civilian and a police officer—and at least 16 injuries, with 10 people hospitalized. Infrastructure damage was reported across eight districts, impacting homes, hospitals, schools, shops, and public transportation.
Explosions lit up the sky overnight, forcing Kyiv residents into bomb shelters. First responders worked through the morning to extinguish fires and search for survivors amid the rubble. Buildings such as a neighborhood grocery store and a wine shop were destroyed.
Strategic Timing Before Rome Conference
The strike comes a day after Russia’s heaviest bombardment of the war and just ahead of Thursday’s Rome summit, where Ukrainian officials are set to appeal for more funding and air defense support.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha denounced the attack as further proof that President Vladimir Putin is unwilling to negotiate peace. He urged Kyiv’s Western partners to impose new sanctions and boost arms production to counter Russia’s war machine.
Zelenskyy reiterated the call, saying Ukraine’s partners must “move faster in investing in weapons production”, including new interceptor drones and air-defense systems.
Escalating Tactics and Battlefield Pressure
Recent Russian drone models have been enhanced to fly faster and higher, making them more difficult to intercept. Combined with cruise and ballistic missiles, these attacks have killed dozens and damaged critical infrastructure in recent weeks.
Wednesday’s aerial assault reportedly involved 728 strike drones, seven cruise missiles, and six ballistic missiles. Russian ground forces are also making advances in eastern Ukraine, marking their fastest movement since November.
U.S. Military Aid Concerns
The U.S. recently paused a shipment of critical air-defense munitions, including Patriot interceptor missiles, Hellfire missiles, and howitzer rounds, citing concerns over stockpile levels. However, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the U.S. has resumed some deliveries to assist Ukraine in defending against ongoing Russian attacks.
