Kyiv, Ukraine – Russia launched its largest aerial assault since the start of the war over the weekend, firing at least 805 drones and 13 missiles at Ukraine between Saturday night and Sunday morning. The attacks resulted in damage to government buildings in Kyiv and other areas, and tragically claimed the lives of a mother and her two-month-old son.
The unprecedented barrage underscores escalating tensions as Ukraine seeks security guarantees from western allies, while Russia warns against the deployment of foreign forces on its neighbor’s territory. the attacks come as approximately 26 European countries consider bolstering Ukraine’s defenses shoudl ongoing peace negotiations falter, a move Russian President vladimir Putin has deemed unacceptable, labeling any Western forces in Ukraine as “legal” targets.
According to the Ukraine Air Force, air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 747 drones and four missiles. Though, the assault caused critically important damage, including a fire at a government building in Kyiv. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported damage to the roof and upper floor of the building, stating via Telegram, “We will recover these buildings. Though, we cannot restore lost lives. The enemy terrorizes and kills our people every day throughout the country.”
A nine-story residential building in western Kyiv was also struck,resulting in the deaths of the mother and infant. Police report that dozens more where injured in the attack.
The scale of the drone and missile barrage has prompted renewed calls for increased air defense assistance from Ukraine’s partners. The country maintains that robust security guarantees, backed by Western forces, are crucial for any future peace agreement to prevent further Russian aggression.