Massive Russian Drone and Missile Attack Kills at Least 12 Across Ukraine

 

Byline: Staff Correspondent
Date: May 25, 2025
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

In one of the most extensive aerial assaults since the onset of the conflict, Russia launched a massive overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and injuring dozens more. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 45 missiles and 266 drones, yet significant damage and casualties occurred across multiple regions.ReutersReuters+3The Guardian+3Le Monde.fr+3

Scale and Impact of the Attack

The assault involved 69 missiles and 298 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed drones, targeting over 30 cities and villages, such as Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, and Kharkiv. In Kyiv, four individuals were killed, and 16 others injured, with residential buildings and infrastructure suffering extensive damage. Zhytomyr reported the deaths of three children, while fatalities and injuries were also confirmed in Mykolaiv and Khmelnytskyi regions. AP News+1The Sun+1BBC+4The Guardian+4Reuters+4

International and Domestic Responses

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, urging the international community to impose stronger sanctions on Russia. He emphasized that the continuation of the war lies in Moscow's hands and called for increased pressure to push Russia toward a ceasefire. The Guardian+4The Times of India+4AP News+4

In response to the attacks, NATO scrambled fighter jets and heightened the alert level of its eastern defenses. The alliance's actions underscore the growing concern over the escalation of hostilities and the potential for broader regional implications. The Sun

Concurrent Diplomatic Developments

Amidst the violence, Ukraine and Russia proceeded with a planned prisoner exchange, each releasing 307 individuals. This exchange is part of a broader agreement to swap 1,000 prisoners each and represents a rare moment of cooperation between the two nations. However, the ongoing attacks have cast doubt on the prospects for sustained peace negotiations. The New Indian Express+3New York Post+3AP News+3

Conclusion

The recent attacks highlight the severe scale of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for international intervention and support for Ukraine. As the war continues to inflict heavy tolls on civilians and infrastructure, calls for a comprehensive ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts are intensifying.AP News