Zelenskyy: Russia launched over 1,560 drones at Ukraine in 24 hours

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched a massive wave of drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, including a strike on a residential building in Kyiv that triggered an ongoing rescue operation.

According to Zelenskyy, a nine-story apartment building in the capital was hit by a drone, destroying an entire entrance section. Dozens of residents were rescued, one person was killed, and others may still be trapped under the debris.

“Overnight, the Russians launched more than 670 attack drones and 56 missiles at Ukraine. There were strikes using ballistic, aeroballistic, and cruise missiles. The main target of this attack was Kyiv. Damage has been recorded at 20 locations in the city. These are ordinary residential buildings, a school, a veterinary clinic, and other purely civilian infrastructure,” he wrote on Telegram.

Zelenskyy added that damage was also reported in the Kyiv region, as well as in Kremenchuk, where energy infrastructure was targeted, and in Chornomorsk, where port facilities and residential areas were hit.

“In total, since the beginning of yesterday, the Russians have used more than 1,560 drones against our cities and communities. This is certainly not the behaviour of those who believe the war is coming to an end,” he said.

He called on international partners to respond to the escalation and continue supporting Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.

“It is important that partners do not remain silent about this strike. It is equally important to continue supporting the protection of our skies. The PURL program is necessary for Ukraine to defend itself against such ballistic attacks. And it is also in the interest of everyone seeking peace to continue putting pressure on Russia,” Zelenskyy added.

By Tamilla Hasanova