Zelensky Slams US ‘Silence’ as Russia Launches Record-Breaking Air Assault on Ukraine
Russia unleashed its most massive aerial attack since the war began, bombarding Kyiv and multiple regions across Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight — marking the second consecutive night of heavy bombardment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t hold back, sharply criticizing the United States for what he called a damaging “silence” amid the escalating attacks.
Deadly Strikes and Heartbreaking Losses
At least 12 people lost their lives in the recent missile and drone strikes, including three children from the same family in Ukraine’s Zhytomyr region, west of Kyiv. Ukraine’s Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that the parents were hospitalized, with the mother still in critical condition. The children’s school expressed deep sorrow on Facebook, saying, “We are in pain. The whole school family… We bow our heads in sorrow.”
The attacks damaged civilian buildings in several districts of Kyiv and other cities, forcing residents to endure long hours in shelters under the continuous drone and missile onslaught.
A War That Shows No Signs of Letting Up
Ukraine’s Air Force revealed the staggering scale of the assault — 367 aerial weapons were launched overnight, including 69 missiles and nearly 300 drones targeting 22 locations. Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept most of these, shooting down 47 missiles and 266 drones.
Just last weekend, Russia set a previous record by launching 273 drones in a single night, underscoring how the Kremlin continues to ramp up its aerial campaign as diplomatic efforts falter.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described Sunday as “a difficult morning after a sleepless night,” highlighting the relentless pressure Ukrainian civilians and forces face.
Zelensky’s Call to Action: Don’t Look Away
President Zelensky took to Telegram to call out the global community, especially the US, for what he sees as a dangerous lack of response. “The world may go on vacation, but the war continues, despite weekends and weekdays. This cannot be ignored. America’s silence, and the silence of others in the world, only encourages Putin,” he said.
He urged stronger sanctions, condemning Russia’s attacks as terrorist acts that prolong the war and cost innocent lives every day.
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Mixed Messages from the US
US President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Putin’s actions, saying, “We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities.” Trump acknowledged a personal connection with Putin but criticized the escalation, saying, “He’s killing a lot of people… I don’t like it at all.”
At the same time, Trump’s Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, condemned the attacks as a blatant violation of international protocols meant to protect civilians.
A Glimmer of Hope Amid the Violence: Prisoner Swap
In a rare moment of cooperation, over 600 Russian and Ukrainian prisoners were exchanged on Sunday, concluding a larger 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap agreed upon during talks in Istanbul last week. Videos shared by Ukrainian officials showed released Ukrainian soldiers, many with shaved heads and draped in national flags, joyfully reconnecting with loved ones.
Zelensky thanked the team behind the exchange, calling it a success. Yet, despite this humanitarian step, the violence shows no sign of easing.
Diplomatic Talks Face Harsh Reality
The Istanbul meeting came after European allies pressed Moscow with an ultimatum demanding a ceasefire or sanctions. Many observers viewed Putin’s proposal for talks as a tactic to delay and distract from the mounting pressure.
Since the talks, Russia has only intensified its bombardment. Zelensky warned that without stronger pressure from the US and Europe, the brutal attacks would continue unchecked.
Russia Reports Ukrainian Drone Attacks in Return
Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have intercepted or destroyed about 100 Ukrainian drones over its own territory, mainly in central and southern regions, including near Moscow. Reports from Russian officials noted injuries in some areas from these attacks.
What’s Next?
With the war dragging into its third year, the latest massive Russian aerial assault starkly highlights the ongoing human cost and geopolitical deadlock. As Kyiv calls for stronger international action and fresh sanctions, the world watches closely — the silence or response of global powers may shape the conflict’s next chapter.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
Source: CNN – US ‘silence’ encouraging Putin, says Zelensky, after Russia launches record air assault
