Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities came under attack overnight, with reports of multiple explosions as Russia launched a large-scale assault involving drones and missiles. The attacks prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to call for stronger international pressure on Russia to ensure accountability for its actions.
According to reports, Russia fired a total of 297 drones and 50 missiles at Ukraine. Explosions were reported in Kyiv, with warnings issued about incoming Russian ballistic missiles.
The attacks approach as Ukraine continues to strike targets within Russia. Recent reports indicate a Ukrainian strike on a rocket factory deep inside Russia, a facility potentially producing the Oreshnik missile, which is capable of reaching European capitals within minutes.
President Zelenskyy has been a vocal advocate for increased international support for Ukraine since the start of the conflict. He recently addressed the United States Congress during a visit to the U.S. In 2022 and met with officials at the Oval Office in 2025. He also recently completed a series of European visits, including a summit in Budapest in 2025.
Zelenskyy, who assumed the presidency in May 2019, has led Ukraine through a period of significant challenges, including the ongoing war with Russia, the COVID-19 pandemic, and internal political issues. He is currently seeking membership in the European Union and NATO. The ongoing conflict underscores the complex geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe and the broader implications for international security.