Russia launches massive drone barrage on Ukraine as ceasefire collapses
Ukrainian officials report widespread damage across the capital and Odesa region following the end of a US-brokered truce, while the Kremlin reiterates demands for Kyiv’s withdrawal from Donbas.
Russia has launched a large-scale aerial offensive against Ukraine, deploying more than 1,560 drones and dozens of missiles in a 36-hour period that killed at least three people and wounded 40 others. The barrage, which targeted six districts in Kyiv and six surrounding areas, marks a significant escalation immediately following the collapse of a three-day ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the overnight assault included over 670 attack drones and 56 missiles. He stated that rescue operations were continuing after a nine-storey residential building in Kyiv was struck, with reports indicating that people are still feared trapped under the rubble. Zelenskyy emphasised the scale of the attack, noting it contradicted any notion that the war was winding down.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba reported that the strikes also extended beyond the capital, targeting ports in the southern Odesa region and railway infrastructure. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that among the 40 injured were two children, while emergency services worked to extract survivors from damaged structures. Al Jazeera reporter Audrey Macalpine described the event as one of the largest attacks in a single 36-hour period by sheer volume of drones.
The offensive began shortly after the truce ended on Tuesday, with both sides resuming long-range attacks. The ceasefire, which had been in place from Sunday to Tuesday, was marred by allegations of violations from both Kyiv and Moscow. The collapse of the truce undermines recent hopes for peace, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s earlier comments suggesting the conflict might be nearing its end.
The Kremlin has since rejected interpretations of Putin’s remarks as a softening of position. On Wednesday, Moscow reiterated its demand that Ukraine fully withdraw from the eastern Donbas region before any ceasefire or peace talks can proceed. Kyiv has consistently rejected such terms, describing them as tantamount to capitulation. Zelenskyy called on international partners to remain silent on the strike but to continue supporting the protection of Ukrainian skies.
