Zelenskyy: Russia ended lull with massive overnight strike on Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia has ended what he described as a brief “partial lull” in hostilities and launched a large-scale overnight attack across Ukraine.

In a statement posted on his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy detailed the scope of the strikes, which involved drones, aerial bombs, and air attacks affecting multiple regions.

“Russia itself decided to end the partial lull that had lasted for several days. Over the course of this night, more than 200 strike drones were launched against Ukraine. Aerial bombs were again used on the front line — more than 80, and over 30 airstrikes were recorded. Strike drones were shot down in the Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions, as well as in Kyiv and the surrounding area. There is damage to energy facilities, apartment buildings, a kindergarten, and there was also a strike on an ordinary civilian locomotive on the railway... It is known that there are wounded as a result of these strikes. Unfortunately, there are also fatalities. My condolences to the families and loved ones,” he said.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine would respond in kind to Russian actions and reiterated his call for stronger international pressure.

“We have said that we will act symmetrically in response to all Russian steps. Russia must end this war, and it is precisely Russia that must take a step toward a real, lasting ceasefire. Until that happens, sanctions against Moscow are necessary and must continue to be enforced and strengthened. It is important that there be no easing, and that partners do not stand aside, but continue joint efforts for security, justice, and a reliable peace,” the Ukrainian leader emphasised.

According to Zelenskyy, the attacks caused damage to civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities and residential buildings, and resulted in casualties. Ukrainian air defences were active across several regions in response to the wave of drone strikes.

By Tamilla Hasanova