Zelenskyy: Russia launches largest aerial attack of war, Ukraine downs hundreds of drones, missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on Wednesday that Russia has launched its most massive aerial assault since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, targeting multiple Ukrainian regions with 741 airborne weapons, including more than 300 Shahed-type attack drones and 13 missiles, such as Kinzhals and Iskanders.

“This was the highest number of aerial targets in a single day,” Zelenskyy said on social media. “Most of the targets were shot down.”

According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian air defense forces and interceptor drones played a key role in countering the onslaught. Mobile fire units across the country were also activated, successfully downing dozens of incoming threats.

“I thank all our warriors for their precision,” he added.

The main target of the night’s attack was the western city of Lutsk, but damage was also reported in the Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions. Emergency services are now working to assess and mitigate the consequences across affected areas.

Zelenskyy underscored the timing of the attack, coming as global diplomatic efforts continue to push for a ceasefire.

“This is a telling attack – and it comes precisely at a time when so many efforts have been made to achieve peace,” Zelenskyy stated. “And yet, only Russia continues to rebuff them all.”

He renewed his call for tougher international action, especially in the form of oil sanctions, arguing that Russian energy exports have bankrolled the war for over three years.

“This is yet another proof of the need for biting sanctions against oil,” the president said. “Secondary sanctions on those who buy this oil and thereby sponsor killings.”

Zelenskyy urged Ukraine’s partners to “act” and increase pressure on Moscow: “Everyone who wants peace must act.”