Russia launched its largest aerial assault in more than a month, targeting several Ukrainian cities with a combination of drones and missiles, according to Kyiv’s military officials. The attacks came just days after a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska.
Scale of the Strikes
Ukraine’s air force reported that Moscow launched 574 drones and 40 cruise and ballistic missiles overnight, striking five western cities and the southern industrial hub of Zaporizhzhia. One of the most significant hits was on Mukachevo, a city near the Hungarian border, where a U.S.-owned consumer electronics factory was struck.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, noting that the facility was a civilian business producing household appliances with American investment. Nineteen people were injured in the strike, though no fatalities were reported at the factory.
In Lviv, close to the Polish border, local authorities confirmed one civilian death from the overnight bombardment. Kyiv residents also endured drone raids, with air defences engaging Russian aircraft overhead.
Targeting U.S.-Linked Businesses
The damaged site in Mukachevo belonged to Texas-based manufacturer Flex, according to the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. Andy Hunder, the group’s president, said the attack underscored Russia’s intent to damage both Ukrainian infrastructure and U.S. business interests. “Russia continues to destroy U.S. companies in Ukraine, undermining American values and leadership,” he said.
This is not the first time Russia has struck Western-linked businesses. Past targets have included facilities tied to Boeing, Coca-Cola, and agriculture giant Cargill.
Ukrainian and International Response
Ukrainian officials stressed the need for stronger air defences following the escalation. Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine’s foreign minister, said the strikes highlighted Moscow’s unwillingness to negotiate peace in good faith. Zelenskyy called for tighter sanctions and tariffs to increase pressure on Russia.
Meanwhile, Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, said Moscow’s continued bombardments contradicted its claims of seeking peace. “Instead of solutions, we get attacks on civilians,” he wrote on Telegram.
Diplomatic Tensions
The escalation followed a period of relative calm around Kyiv, coinciding with diplomatic initiatives involving the United States. Analysts noted that Russia may have reduced strikes on the capital before the Alaska summit to avoid criticism from Trump.
Despite diplomatic discussions, including proposals for European-led peacekeeping efforts, Russia has maintained a hardline stance. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed the idea of international peacekeepers as “absolutely unacceptable” and questioned whether Zelenskyy had the authority to sign any future peace agreement.
Outlook
The strikes underline the ongoing intensity of the war despite international attempts to broker peace. With civilian areas and foreign-linked businesses increasingly in the crossfire, the conflict shows no sign of de-escalation in the near term.
