Russia launched one of its biggest overnight strikes on Ukraine. As a result, at least 13 people died and dozens were injured. This marked one of the most intense attacks since the war began.
Ukraine Responds with Strong Air Defense
According to Ukraine’s military, Russia used 298 drones and 45 missiles. Ukrainian forces shot down 266 drones and all 45 missiles. Air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said Russia launched “the highest number ever” of drones in a single night.
Meanwhile, online videos showed bright explosions across the sky. The strikes lasted all night and targeted 13 regions, including the capital, Kyiv.
A difficult Sunday morning in Ukraine after a sleepless night. The most massive Russian air attack in many weeks lasted all night.
Russia launched hundreds of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles into Ukrainian cities and communities during the night, injuring and… pic.twitter.com/FcawH6DJD4
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) May 25, 2025
Russia Ignores Peace Efforts
Despite ongoing ceasefire talks, Russia continued its attacks. This was the second strike in two nights and the third major assault in one week.
Emergency services described the night as full of “terror.” In response, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the world to act.
Not only Kyiv was brutally attacked today by russian terrorists.
Here’s the moment an "Iskander-M" missile slams into civilian buildings in Chernihiv – in the middle of the night.
russia is deliberately targeting civilians.
Share this video – the world needs to see the truth. pic.twitter.com/13JwFfTptu
— UAVoyager🇺🇦 (@NAFOvoyager) May 25, 2025
He said, “Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped.” He also stated, “The silence of America, the silence of others around the world only encourages Putin. Sanctions will certainly help.”
EU Calls for Global Pressure
Furthermore, the European Union’s top diplomat condemned the attacks. He demanded “the strongest international pressure” to end the war.
On the other hand, Russia claimed it targeted Ukraine’s “military-industrial complex.” It also said it shot down 110 Ukrainian drones during the night.
Just one day earlier, Russia launched 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones. Ukrainian officials reported that 15 people were injured in those strikes.
Additionally, drone activity in Moscow disrupted flights on Sunday. However, there were no reported injuries.
Prisoner Swap Offers a Rare Positive Moment
In a separate development, Ukraine and Russia completed their largest prisoner exchange since 2022. This came just hours after the deadly attack.
Both countries released 303 people each. So far, 1,000 individuals have been exchanged by both sides since the war began.
Trump Reacts Strongly to the Attack
US President Donald Trump welcomed the prisoner swap. However, he sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump wrote on Truth Social, “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him! He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He’s needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.”
In addition, Trump attacked Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. He said Zelenskyy is “doing the European nation no favours” by “talking the way he does.” Trump also blamed President Joe Biden for poor leadership.
