Russia launches ‘aerial terror’ with biggest drone attack since start of war – Zelenskyy

Russia has launched its biggest drone attack on Ukraine since the war started, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

He condemned Russia for its “aerial terror” as he reported more than 250 drones had hit his country overnight.

It comes ahead of the third-year anniversary of Russia’s land, air and sea invasion of its smaller neighbour, which started on 24 February 2022.

“Every day, our people stand against aerial terror,” Mr Zelenskyy wrote on X.

“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.”

A total of 138 of the drones were downed and another 119 disappeared from radars after being jammed by electronic warfare, Ukraine’s air force said in a statement, as damage was reported across five regions.

Mr Zelenskyy, who has had a troubling few days as US President Donald Trump on Wednesday referred to him as a “dictator”, said in total nearly 1,150 attack drones, more than 1,400 guided aerial bombs and 35 missiles of various types were launched by Russia at Ukraine in the past week.

Mr Zelenskyy thanked those operating Ukraine’s air defences and called on the country’s foreign allies to stand united to secure a “just and lasting peace”.

“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.”

It comes amid concerns over Mr Trump’s recent war of words with Mr Zelenskyy and the Republican’s false claim Kyiv started the war.

During a conference on Saturday, President Trump – who alarmed Europe and Ukraine by holding a recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin – repeated his optimism that a deal to end the war is possible under his watch.

The Republican said he was “dealing” with both the Ukrainian and Russian leaders.

“I’ve spoken to President Putin and I think that thing [the war] is going to end,” he told the conference.

Ukraine has insisted it won’t accept any deal agreed without its participation, after it was excluded from this week’s meeting between top US and Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia.

Mr Trump also said he was determined to get payback for billions of dollars of military hardware and other assistance provided to Ukraine.

The US leader has sought an agreement from Ukraine for access to the country’s natural resources in exchange for weapons.

Mr Trump has said a deal was close, but a source with knowledge of the negotiations told Sky News the Ukrainian president is not ready to sign.