Russia Launches Large-Scale Drone Attack on Ukrainian Cities, Including Zelensky's Hometown

Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on Ukraine overnight, targeting several regions including President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown of Kryvyi Rih. Ukrainian officials reported that 400 long-range drones and one missile were used in the assault, with the Ukrainian Air Force stating that 345 drones were intercepted or disabled.

Kryvyi Rih experienced what Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city's military administration, described as the most extensive attack since the start of the war. The strike involved a ballistic missile and 28 drones, causing fires and leaving parts of the city without electricity and water. President Zelensky said that energy infrastructure was targeted and that 15 people were wounded in the city. In a post on X, Zelensky stated, > "Russia is not changing its strategy – and to counter this terror effectively, we need to systematically strengthen our defenses: more air defense systems, more interceptors, and more determination."

The eastern city of Kharkiv was struck 16 times in 14 minutes, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. In Vinnytsia, eight people were injured and two infrastructure facilities caught fire. Across Ukraine, three deaths and 38 injuries were reported in the previous 24 hours, officials said.

The attacks come shortly after the US announced new military support for Ukraine, including the provision of Patriot missile systems via NATO and the threat of secondary tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the US president's statements as "very serious" and said Russia would analyze the announcements before President Vladimir Putin comments further. Peskov also claimed that such decisions by the US and NATO are viewed by Ukraine as encouragement to continue the conflict.

European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the US announcement, stating that supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia are necessary steps toward peace.