Zelenskyy slams Russia’s"most massive and cynical" air assault since invasion began

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned one of the largest and cynical Russian air attacks since the full-scale invasion began, after hundreds of drones and missiles struck Kyiv and other regions overnight.

In a statement published on his official Telegram channel, Zelenskyy said the assault was “demonstratively significant and cynical,” noting that it included around 550 aerial targets — among them at least 330 Iranian-made Shahed drones and multiple ballistic missiles, Caliber.Az reports.

“The capital was the main target of this Russian attack,” Zelenskyy stated. “Our forces managed to shoot down 270 aerial targets, while a further 208 drones were neutralised by electronic warfare systems.”

He added that new defence technologies, including interceptor drones, were beginning to be deployed. “Dozens were downed,” he said. “We’re doing everything possible to strengthen this line of defence for our cities.”

The president highlighted the importance of continued international military support, especially from the United States. “It is crucial that support from our partners for ballistic missile defence remains intact. Patriot systems and their accompanying missiles are real protectors of life.”

Zelenskyy also drew attention to the timing of the air raids, which began shortly after news broke of a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Russia is once again showing that it has no intention of ending the war or halting its campaign of terror,” he said.

Apart from Kyiv, the Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Kyiv regions were also hit. At least 23 people were injured, according to Zelenskyy, with emergency services still responding to the aftermath of the attacks, including fires and building collapses.

“There are many sites where drone and missile debris fell,” he said. “Sadly, there were also direct impacts.”

Zelenskyy stressed the need for tougher sanctions and economic pressure on Russia. “Without truly large-scale pressure, Russia will not change its senseless and destructive behaviour,” he said.

“There must be a response to each attack on civilian lives — in the form of sanctions and other measures targeting Russia’s economy, revenues, and infrastructure.”

He concluded with an appeal to Ukraine’s allies: “This is the only way to bring about meaningful change quickly — and it depends on our partners, above all, the United States.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev