Russia Launches Massive Attack on Ukraine Using 741 Aerial Weapons; Strikes Hit Kyiv and Multiple Regions

Kyiv [Ukraine]: In one of the largest aerial attacks since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Kyiv and multiple regions across Ukraine, deploying 741 aerial weapons, including 728 drones, seven Iskander-K cruise missiles, and six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.

Building damaged in Ukraine. (Photo/X@andrii_sybiha)

This marks the second large-scale attack by Moscow this month as Russia intensifies its strikes across Ukraine amid ongoing international calls for de-escalation.

According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ukrainian defences managed to neutralise 718 threats using Kyiv’s interceptor drones and mobile fire groups, preventing even greater damage during the assault.

Multiple Regions Hit, Fires Break Out

Despite strong defensive efforts, the main strike hit the city of Lutsk, where fires broke out at a garage cooperative and a private enterprise. Damage was reported across several regions, including Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Kropyvnytskyi, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv, indicating the wide geographical spread of the attack.

“Russia launched an air attack overnight with 741 aerial weapons - including 728 drones, 7 Iskander-K cruise missiles, and 6 Kinzhal missiles. Our defences neutralised 718 threats, with dozens intercepted by Ukrainian interceptor drones and mobile fire groups,” the Ukrainian MFA stated in a post on X.

Casualties and Ongoing Fires

At least two people were killed and over a dozen injured during the attacks, CNN reported citing Kyiv officials.

Emergency services in Kyiv continue to battle a fire covering 8,000 square meters in the region, with heavy smoke rising over parts of the capital Thursday morning.

The Ukrainian MFA called for “painful sanctions” on Russian oil and secondary sanctions on those purchasing Russian oil to cut off funding for Moscow’s war operations.

“Russia rejects every effort to stop the war. Painful sanctions on Russian oil, which fuels Moscow’s war machine, are essential, along with secondary sanctions on those who buy that oil and fund further killings. Everyone who wants peace must act,” the MFA added.

Ukraine Urges Immediate Air Defence Support

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the attack as part of Russia’s “growing terror” campaign and stressed the urgent need for bolstered air defence systems, including investments in interceptor drones, and increased pressure on Moscow to curb further aggression.

“Instead of peace efforts, Russia launched a record nearly 750 drones and missiles at Ukraine overnight. This growing terror underscores the urgent need to bolster our air defence, including investments in interceptor drones, increase pressure on Russia, and cut its oil revenues,” Sybiha stated on X.

He condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for rejecting peace efforts, urging Ukraine’s partners to expedite the US Senate bill and the European Union’s 18th sanctions package targeting Moscow’s revenue streams.

“Kyiv had a particularly dreadful night, with brutal attacks by swarms of drones and missiles, including ballistic missiles. There are damaged residential buildings and civilian casualties in the capital, as well as thick smoke in the morning sky. Putin rejects any peace efforts and diplomacy in favour of terror and war crimes. Don’t just watch Russia terrorise people in Ukraine. Act now to defund Russia’s war machine,” Sybiha added.

ECHR Rules Against Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict

The latest attack comes as the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on Wednesday issued rulings on four cases related to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine since 2022 and the conflict in eastern Ukraine dating back to 2014, including the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

The court concluded that Russia has engaged in a consistent pattern of human rights violations in Ukraine since its full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Additionally, the ECHR held Russia accountable for the 2014 downing of flight MH17, which killed 298 people, despite Moscow’s repeated denials.

Previous Large-Scale Attack This Month

Earlier on Friday night, Al Jazeera, citing Ukrainian authorities, reported that Moscow launched over 500 drones and 11 missiles at Kyiv, killing one person and injuring at least 23 others, while causing widespread damage across the capital.

Russia’s increased drone and missile strikes have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and impacted energy infrastructure and civilian areas, raising urgent calls from Ukrainian and Western officials for additional sanctions on Russia and expedited military aid to Ukraine. The escalating attacks underscore the volatility of the ongoing conflict, even as global diplomatic efforts struggle to find a resolution amid persistent hostilities on the ground.