Russia Launches Largest Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine as War Escalates
Kyiv, Ukraine – May 26, 2025 Russia has unleashed the largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war, launching a massive barrage of 69 missiles and 298 drones overnight, according to Ukrainian Air Force officials. The unprecedented attack, which struck more than 30 cities and villages across the country, resulted in at least 12 deaths and dozens of injuries, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Details of the Assault
The overnight offensive, described by Ukrainian authorities as the most extensive single strike of the three-year conflict, targeted multiple regions including Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernihiv, Sumy, Odesa, Poltava, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Cherkasy oblasts. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept a significant portion of the incoming drones and missiles, reportedly downing 45 cruise missiles and 139 drones, but many projectiles still struck residential and infrastructure targets.
In Kyiv, the capital endured a six-hour air raid alert, with damage reported in several districts. In the southern Odesa region, drone strikes destroyed private homes, injuring a 14-year-old boy. The western Khmelnytskyi region also suffered damage to homes and businesses, while Kharkiv and its surroundings experienced explosions and continued shelling.
Cross-Border Tensions and Retaliation
The attack came as part of a pattern of near-nightly cross-border strikes that have intensified in recent months. Ukrainian officials stated that in retaliation, Ukrainian drones targeted facilities deep inside Russia, including a drone factory in Tatarstan and a chemical plant in the Ivanovo region that produces components for Russian weaponry.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported that a rail line in Belgorod Oblast was damaged after a cargo train struck an explosive device, underscoring the growing reach of Ukrainian operations inside Russian territory.
Political Fallout and International Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized the United States and the broader international community for what he called "silence" in the face of Russia’s escalating attacks, urging Western allies to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow. He accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilian areas and called for increased support, particularly in air defense capabilities.
NATO has reportedly urged Germany to quadruple its air defense systems for Ukraine, while German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul indicated that the European Union would pursue additional sanctions against Russia, citing President Vladimir Putin’s apparent intent to prolong the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the Russian assault, describing Putin as having "gone absolutely crazy" and denouncing the attacks on Ukrainian cities. Trump also criticized Zelenskyy’s rhetoric, suggesting it was inflaming tensions, and asserted that the war would not have occurred under his administration.
Military Buildup and Fears of New Offensive
Amid the aerial bombardment, intelligence reports indicate that over 50,000 Russian troops, including elite formations, are massing near Kharkiv, raising concerns about a potential new offensive aimed at Ukraine’s second-largest city.
Humanitarian Impact
The scale of the latest attack has deepened the humanitarian crisis, with emergency services battling fires, rescuing survivors, and assessing the widespread destruction. The strikes coincided with Kyiv Day, a significant holiday for the capital, amplifying the sense of tragedy for residents.
Outlook
The record-breaking assault underscores the continuing escalation of the war, the failure of recent diplomatic efforts, and the urgent need for enhanced international support for Ukraine. With both sides exchanging increasingly sophisticated drone and missile strikes, there appears to be little prospect of a ceasefire in the near future.