Russia launched 267 drones into Ukraine on Saturday night, marking the largest drone attack of the war, as both nations approach the third anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion.
According to Ukraine’s air force, the massive bombardment broke the previous record of 193 drones, which was set during a December attack. The Shahed attack drones, primarily used by Russia, have been a key component of the ongoing nightly air assaults.
Ukraine’s Air Defenses Respond
Ukraine’s air force reported that theya shot down 138 drones, while 119 others were lost in flight without causing any damage. Three drones reportedly flew into Belarus.
Several regions were impacted by the attack, including Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Poltava, Kyiv, and Zaporizhzhia. In Odesa, three people were injured due to a drone strike, while in Zaporizhzhia, one person sustained injuries, according to emergency services.
Despite the relentless attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the efforts of air defense teams, emergency responders, and medics who work daily to protect civilian lives.
“Every day, our people stand against aerial terror,” Zelenskyy wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We must do everything possible to bring a lasting and just peace to Ukraine. This is achievable through the unity of all partners – we need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who seeks lasting peace.”
Global Response and Diplomatic Tensions
The record-breaking attack occurred just before Ukraine marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began in Februaary 2022, following the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the occupation of parts of eastern Donbas.
The fourth year of the war is set to begin with President Donald Trump’s administration seeking a peace deal through direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s team, but without Ukraine’s involvement.
In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned foreign leaders not to overlook Russia’s continued aggression.
“This demonstrates that avoiding calling Russia an aggressor does not change the fact that it is one,” he stated, referring to reports that the U.S. may be blocking a planned G7 statement labeling Russia as the aggressor.
“No one should trust Putin’s words. Look at his actions instead,” Sybiha added.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued its own long-range strikes, with Russia’s Defense Ministry reporting that they downed 40 Ukrainian drones over the last 24 hours.
As Ukraine braces for another year of war, the escalation in drone warfare and ongoing diplomatic tensions highlight the high-stakes battle for control and sovereignty.
