- Russia launched 264 drones into Ukraine over 48 hours, killing at least 24 people and striking multiple regions in one of the heaviest aerial assaults in recent months.
- Ukraine’s counterattacks targeted eight Russian regions, prompting temporary airport closures, as both sides intensified long-range drone warfare.
- The attacks come amid a U.S. freeze on military aid, with Ukrainian leaders urging renewed support and warning that reduced Western backing is emboldening Russia.
Ukraine has reported an unprecedented surge in Russian drone attacks over a 48-hour period, with 264 drones launched into its territory as the country continues to reel from a weekend of deadly strikes. The wave of assaults, described by Ukraine’s air force as one of the largest in recent months, left at least 24 people dead and caused widespread damage in several regions including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia.
Overnight into Sunday, Ukraine said Russia deployed 119 Shahed drones, of which 73 were shot down while 37 reportedly failed mid-flight. The strikes followed another intense barrage on Friday night, during which 145 drones and three missiles were launched, leading to further casualties and destruction. Civilian infrastructure, including homes and a shopping center in Dobropillya, came under attack, highlighting the growing humanitarian toll.
Ukraine has continued its own counter-offensives, with Russian authorities reporting that 88 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across eight regions. As a result, flight operations were temporarily suspended at several Russian airports, including those in Astrakhan, Kazan, and Nizhny Novgorod. The escalating aerial conflict reflects deepening tensions as both sides continue to trade strikes far beyond front-line zones.
The attacks have coincided with a pause in U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing, ordered by President Donald Trump in an effort to pressure Ukraine into negotiations with Russia. The halt in support has raised alarms in Kyiv and across Europe, with Ukrainian officials stressing the urgent need for renewed assistance to bolster air defenses and sustain their military efforts. European leaders have responded with sharp criticism of Russia’s aggression, warning of further civilian casualties without increased international support.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss paths toward ending the war, amid growing concern that the lack of Western unity is emboldening Russia. As Ukraine pushes for the resumption of aid, officials warn that without stronger backing, Moscow’s intensified drone warfare could mark a new phase of devastation in the conflict.
