Kyiv, Ukraine : In one of the most extensive airstrikes since the beginning of the conflict in 2022, Russia launched a staggering 741 aerial weapons overnight on Wednesday, targeting Kyiv and multiple regions across Ukraine. The assault included 728 explosive-laden drones, seven Iskander-K cruise missiles, and six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, triggering widespread alarms across the war-torn nation.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 718 threats were intercepted by the country’s defense systems. Kyiv’s interceptor drones and mobile fire units played a key role in neutralizing much of the aerial onslaught. However, despite the strong defensive response, damage was reported in several key regions, including Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Lutsk, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, Kropyvnytskyi, and Chernihiv.
Local authorities in Kyiv confirmed that at least two people were killed, with more than a dozen injured in the attacks. In Lutsk, a private enterprise and a garage cooperative caught fire, while Kyiv’s emergency teams battled an 8,000-square-meter fire in the city’s outskirts well into Thursday morning.
Ukraine’s MFA responded with a call for stricter international sanctions, especially targeting Russia’s oil exports and advocating secondary sanctions on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil. “Russia is rejecting all peace efforts. It is imperative to cut off the funding for its war machine,” the ministry posted on X.
“A Growing Terror” – Ukraine Demands Reinforcements
Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the attack “a growing terror” and pushed for immediate reinforcements to Ukraine’s air defense infrastructure. “This record-breaking strike of over 750 drones and missiles shows why we need more interceptor drones, enhanced pressure on Russia, and urgent cuts to its oil revenues,” he said.
Sybiha further denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of prioritizing warfare over diplomacy. “Putin chooses terrorism over peace. The EU and US must act swiftly—approve the 18th round of sanctions and cut oil funding. We need action now.”
Attack Coincides with European Human Rights Ruling
The strikes came just hours after the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued a landmark ruling, holding Russia responsible for repeated human rights violations in Ukraine, including the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which killed 298 people. The court’s ruling condemned Russia’s actions since its full-scale invasion began in February 2022, further fueling calls for accountability.
Earlier this month, a similar barrage of over 500 drones and 11 missiles was launched overnight on Kyiv, killing one and injuring at least 23 people, according to Ukrainian officials cited by Al Jazeera.
Summary:
- 741 aerial weapons launched by Russia overnight.
- 728 drones, 7 cruise missiles, and 6 hypersonic missiles used.
- 718 threats intercepted, but damage reported across 11 regions.
- At least 2 killed, over a dozen injured, and massive fires reported in Kyiv and Lutsk.
- Ukrainian MFA calls for stricter oil sanctions and international action.
- Deputy FM Sybiha urges reinforcement of Ukraine’s air defense.
- ECHR ruling finds Russia guilty of multiple human rights violations since 2022.
- As global tensions escalate, Ukraine reiterates its plea to allies: “Don’t watch in silence—act to stop Russia’s war machine.”
