In a significant escalation, Russia has executed its largest drone strike against Ukraine, targeting key cities and regions. Ukraine’s air force confirmed that its defence systems successfully intercepted two hundred ninety-six drones. Additionally, four hundred fifteen drones were either lost from radar or jammed during the attack, with seven out of thirteen missiles also destroyed.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the assault, highlighting the pressing need for stringent sanctions against Russia. He noted that the drone attack occurred amidst ongoing international efforts for peace and a ceasefire, which Russia continues to reject. Major cities such as Kyiv and Lutsk faced the brunt of the assault, leading to reported damages.

Zelenskyy emphasised that the recent attack is a clear indication of the necessity for impactful sanctions, particularly on Russian oil, which has been financing the war. He also called for secondary sanctions on entities buying Russian oil, asserting that such actions indirectly support the ongoing conflict.

This latest strike follows a previous barrage of drone attacks earlier in the week, which injured at least twenty-three individuals and caused damage across Kyiv’s infrastructure. During those events, air raid alarms echoed through the capital for over eight hours, as emergency services dealt with widespread fires and destruction.