In its most significant assault this month, Russia unleashed an attack on Ukraine as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump and European heads at the White House.
This offensive followed a meeting in Alaska the previous Friday between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump. During this meeting, Putin held firm against an immediate ceasefire, insisting Ukraine surrender its eastern Donetsk area to conclude the conflict that initiated with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Trump later mentioned he had a phone call with Putin to discuss setting up a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy.
Ukraine’s air defense reported that Russia sent 270 drones and 10 missiles towards Ukraine from Monday night into Tuesday. However, they successfully intercepted or neutralized 230 drones and six of the missiles. Despite their efforts, 40 drones and four missiles did manage to hit 16 targeted areas, with debris impacting three specific locations.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 270 drones and 10 missiles into Ukraine. (Getty Images)
“As a result of the attack, large-scale fires broke out,” the ministry said in a statement.
According to the ministry, oil refining and gas installations were among the targets, labeling these attacks as the latest “systematic terrorist offensives on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, brazenly violating international humanitarian laws.”
The attack was the largest since Russia launched 309 drones and eight missiles into Ukraine on July 31, according to the air force.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces shot down 23 Ukrainian drones on Monday night and into Tuesday morning.
The attack was the largest since Russia launched 309 drones and eight missiles into Ukraine on July 31. (Getty Images)
Both sides have been targeting infrastructure, including oil facilities.
Before his White House visit, Zelenskyy condemned prior Russian strikes on Monday that resulted in at least 14 deaths and numerous injuries.
“The relentless Russian military machine continues its path of destruction despite every effort. Putin seeks to instill fear and undermine diplomatic measures by perpetrating deliberate acts of violence. We are actively seeking help to halt these atrocities,” he stated on Monday morning via X.
