The Russian Air Force has intensified its attacks on Ukraine, striking several cities just one day after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Washington, D.C. The discussions were focused on efforts to cease hostilities in the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that Russian fighter jets dropped guided bombs on cities including Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhya.
Ukrainian air defense forces confirmed the attacks but did not immediately provide details on the damage or casualties. Additionally, Russian drones were sighted over various locations in Ukraine, reportedly targeting Chernihiv and Dnipropetrovsk. These assaults included nighttime strikes in the Chernihiv region, where combat drones targeted an energy facility in the Koriukivka district. The attack resulted in a power outage affecting approximately 17,000 customers.
In a post on Facebook, Halyna Minayeva, the Mayor of Chuhuiv in the Kharkiv region, reported over ten strikes on her town overnight, paralyzing almost all districts. Energy suppliers indicated that restoration efforts could only commence after the sites had been thoroughly examined. Meanwhile, Ivan Fedorov, Governor of the Zaporizhzhya region, reported fires caused by the attacks, although he stated that no injuries were reported.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched a total of 164 explosive-laden drones during the night. Ukrainian defenses successfully repelled 136 of those drones, resulting in 27 confirmed hits across 12 locations. The ongoing airstrikes primarily target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which is believed to be a tactic aimed at undermining civilian morale.
The recent attacks occurred shortly after Trump urged both Russia and Ukraine to cease fighting, stating that “enough blood had been shed.” Trump expressed this sentiment on his Truth Social platform, suggesting that both sides should “stop where they are.” Despite this call for peace, both nations have continued their aerial assaults.
On the Russian side, the Ministry of Defence reported the interception of 41 Ukrainian drones over its territory and along the Black Sea, including three over the Moscow region. Rosaviatsiya, the Russian aviation authority, indicated that safety restrictions were imposed at nine airports in Russia as a precautionary measure. These disruptions are common in response to Ukrainian drone operations.
For over three and a half years, Ukraine has been vigorously defending itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion with support from Western allies. Ukraine has also conducted its own attacks on targets within Russia. Nevertheless, the devastation caused by Russian assaults in Ukraine remains disproportionately severe compared to the damage inflicted by Ukrainian strikes.
The situation continues to develop as both nations grapple with the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian impacts. The international community remains on alert as tensions escalate in the region.
