Russia Launches Massive Strikes Across Ukraine in Retaliation to Bomber Raid

What Happened?

Russia recently carried out one of its largest aerial attacks against Ukraine, impacting as many as six regions, including Kyiv.

As many as 407 drones and 44 missiles were launched by Russian forces, Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on Friday.

Ihnat added, 'We also have data on the enemy’s use of six ballistic missiles. And 38 cruise missiles, most of which were destroyed.'

Russia's assault, which lasted for several hours, resulted in three killed and at least 50 Ukrainian civilians injured.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the three deaths were all employees of Ukraine's state emergency services.

'Russia doesn’t change its stripes – another massive strike on cities and ordinary life,' Zelenskyy said Friday in a social media post. 'I thank our warriors for their defense. But unfortunately, not all were intercepted.'

Russia's defense ministry reportedly stated that Friday's strikes were in response to 'terrorist acts by the Kyiv regime.'

Why it Matters

President Donald Trump previously announced that Russia's Vladimir Putin planned to respond following a series of recent Ukraine attacks.

Trump stated last week after a phone call with Putin that they discussed the strike on Russia’s docked airplanes and other attacks.

Although Trump said, 'it was a good conversation,' he emphasized it would not lead to immediate peace.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed a massive underwater attack last week that targeted Russia's Kerch Strait Bridge.

SBU agents detailed that its operation 'lasted several months’ and used 1,100 kg of TNT equivalent explosives.

It came only days after Ukraine successfully managed to smuggle 117 drones at four perimeter air bases.

Ukraine estimated the total damages would cost the Kremlin as much as $7 billion.

But Zelenskyy is sounding the alarm following Russia’s latest retaliatory actions.

'Russia must be held accountable for this,' he said. 'Now is exactly the moment when America, Europe, and everyone around the world can stop this war together by pressuring Russia.'

How it Affects You

Both countries have surprisingly agreed on various swaps from both sides during rounds of peace talk negotiations held in Turkey.

Moscow's rejection, however, of an unconditional ceasefire has kept things stagnant in hopes of a breakthrough.

The U.S. has maintained an allied approach for both sides despite calls from world leaders to issue sanctions against Russia.

As a result of the war in Ukraine, over 1 million combined troops have been killed.

President Trump suggested that it might be better to let both countries 'fight for a while.'

It provides a grim outlook if expectations remain low for a foreseeable ceasefire.