Russia Launches Record 728-Drone, 13-Missile Strike Across Western Ukraine

Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began, deploying 728 drones, including Iranian-made Shahed models and decoys, along with 13 missiles targeting multiple regions, particularly the western city of Lutsk. Ukraine's air defenses intercepted 296 drones and seven missiles while causing an additional 415 drones to be lost from radar, with domestic interceptor drones playing a crucial role in defense efforts. The attack affected cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Lutsk, where explosions and damage to infrastructure were reported, alongside some civilian injuries. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the attack as proof of the need for stricter sanctions on Russian oil exports to curb funding for Moscow's war machine, urging international partners to increase air defense support. The assault coincided with US President Donald Trump's announcement of resumed military aid to Ukraine, including air defense systems and backing for additional sanctions on Russian oil and gas buyers. Neighboring Poland responded to the increased threat by scrambling aircraft to ensure airspace safety, underscoring the regional impact of the intensified Russian offensive.