805 Drones, 4 Lives: Ukraine Pleads for Air Defences After Largest Russian Air Attack

Russia launched the single largest air assault of its war on Ukraine overnight, a massive barrage of drones and missiles that set Kyiv's main government building ablaze, killed at least four people, including an infant, and signaled a grim escalation with no end in sight. Ukrainian leaders have urgently called for stronger Western air defenses and a reevaluation of the international response to Russian aggression in response to the strike, which saw a record 805 drones fired.

The strikes caused widespread damage across the country, from Odesa in the south to Chernihiv in the north, underscoring the relentless and brutal nature of the conflict.

What Was the Scale of the Attack? A Record Barrage

The Ukrainian air force provided staggering figures that illustrate the unprecedented scale of the assault. Russian forces launched:

• 805 attack drones overnight, the highest number since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
• 13 missiles

Ukrainian air defence units performed heroically, intercepting 751 drones and 4 missiles. However, due to the attack's overwhelming volume, dozens of projectiles managed to pass through, resulting in serious damage and fatalities.

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Where Did the Strikes Hit?

The strikes targeted both symbolic government infrastructure and civilian residences, delivering a heavy psychological blow. Kyiv's Government Building: The main government building in the historic Pecherskyi district was hit and set on fire. This was the first time this central, well-defended building had been struck in the war. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko posted a video from inside, showing a damaged roof, soot-stained ceilings, and rescue workers clearing rubble.

• Residential Apartments: Across Kyiv, residential buildings bore the brunt of the attack. In the Darnytskyi district, a four-storey apartment building was damaged, and the body of an infant was pulled from the rubble. A young woman was also killed there.
• Nationwide Damage: The cities of Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa, and the regions of Sumy and Chernihiv also reported significant damage to civilian infrastructure and residential blocks.

The interior ministry confirmed at least four people were killed, including the infant and young woman in Darnytskyi. More than 20 people were wounded in the capital alone. Air alerts lasted for more than 11 hours, forcing millions into shelters overnight.

How Did Ukrainian and World Leaders Respond?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack on social media, calling it “a deliberate crime and a prolongation of the war.” He issued a fresh, urgent appeal to allies to strengthen Ukrainian air defences.

The attack drew swift international condemnation:

• Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated the attack showed that “attempts to appease [Putin] made no sense.”
• U.S. Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg said the assault “looks like an escalation” and was not a signal Russia wants diplomacy.
• U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested additional economic pressure could force Putin to the negotiating table.

Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump said he is ready to move to a “second phase” of sanctioning Russia, the closest he has come to suggesting a ramping up of measures against Moscow.

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Did Ukraine Retaliate?

As part of its strategy to target the financial backbone of Russia's war effort, Ukraine's military reported it attacked the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia's Bryansk region, inflicting “comprehensive fire damage.” This ongoing campaign aims to cripple Russia's vast energy complex, which funds its military operations. The massive assault underscores a period of intense pessimism. 

The attack seems to be intended to shatter the spirit of Ukraine and test the boundaries of Western backing, but Russian President Vladimir Putin is defying pleas for a ceasefire and is emboldened by his relations with China. . It heralds a harsh new era in which widespread drone attacks may become commonplace, necessitating an even stronger reaction from Ukraine's supporters.