RUSSIA launched a record number of attack drones into Ukraine in an overnight assault on Saturday, marking the largest drone strike of the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday.
The attack came just a day before the third anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion.
The assault occurred amid growing uncertainty over US support for Ukraine, following rapid shifts in American foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
In recent days, Trump has unsettled European leaders by questioning long-standing support for Ukraine, raising fears that Washington could align with Moscow to force a settlement without Kyiv’s or Europe’s involvement.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy said Russia had launched 267 attack drones, the highest number since Iranian-made drones first began hitting Ukrainian cities.
“On the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale war, Russia launched 267 attack drones against Ukraine — the largest attack since Iranian drones began striking Ukrainian cities and villages,” he said.
Ukraine’s air force reported that 138 drones were shot down across 13 regions, while 119 others failed to reach their targets. The strike represents one of the most extensive drone offensives since the war began.
According to the head of the Kryvyi Rih military administration, Russia also launched three ballistic missiles. One person was killed in a missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, the air force said.
Zelenskyy stated that over the past week, Russia had fired nearly 1,150 attack drones, more than 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and 35 missiles of various types at Ukraine.
He praised the efforts of Ukraine’s air defences and urged international allies to remain united in securing a “just and lasting peace”.
“This is achievable through the unity of all partners — we need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who seeks lasting peace,” he said.
