Ukraine has been battered by the largest drone attack by Russia so far as the country prepares to mark three years of resisting Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion.
Russian troops reportedly fired 267 Shahed drones at targets across the country. Kyiv said it intercepted 138, and 119 disappeared from radar scans.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that, in total, nearly 1,150 attack drones, more than 1,400 guided aerial bombs and 35 missiles of various types have been launched this week.
He wrote on X: “Every day, our people stand against aerial terror. On the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale war, Russia launched 267 attack drones against Ukraine — the largest attack since Iranian drones began striking Ukrainian cities and villages.”
He added: “The war continues. Everyone capable of helping with air defence must work to enhance the protection of human life.
“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.
“I thank all our partners who help us and understand this.”
This seems to be an implicit slight on US President Donald Trump, who called President Zelensky a “dictator” and suggested that Ukraine started the war with Russia this week.
Zelensky hit back, suggesting that Trump lives in a “disinformation bubble”.
In recent days, attention has turned to talks between the US and Russia aiming to reach a settlement.
Monday will mark the third year since Putin invaded the neighbouring state.
The GUR has reported that the Kremlin is preparing to declare “victory” over Ukraine, and “possibly over NATO” to mark the date.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said it continues to believe that Putin’s theory of victory is “built on the assumption that Russia can outlast Western support for Ukraine” and that he is, therefore “, attempting to bring about the cessation of Western and particularly US support for Ukraine”.