Russia launches ‘massive’ drone bombardment on Zelensky’s hometown, Ukrainian officials say

Russia launched its most intense drone attack this week, sending 400 long-range drones and a missile into Ukraine late Tuesday. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that 345 drones were intercepted or disabled in the overnight assault.

This wave of attacks hit key cities including Odesa, Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, and Kryvyi Rih—President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown.

The strike came just as Ukraine’s lawmakers moved to boost defense spending in response to rising Russian aggression. Kyiv’s parliament approved a $9.6 million increase in funding for the military and equipment.

In Kryvyi Rih, a ballistic missile and 28 drones caused power and water outages, fires, and at least 15 injuries. “It was the most massive attack on the city since the beginning of the war,” said Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the local military administration.

Zelensky blamed Russia for targeting civilian infrastructure. “Russia is not changing its strategy,” he said on X. “To stop this terror, we need more air defense systems and interceptors.”

Kharkiv’s mayor Ihor Terekhov said the city endured 16 strikes within 14 minutes. In Vinnytsia, attacks injured eight people and sparked fires at two infrastructure sites.

Ukraine’s emergency crews continued response efforts Wednesday in multiple regions. At least three deaths were reported from recent attacks—two in Kharkiv and one in Sumy. Another strike Wednesday hit a shopping center in Dobropillya, killing two and injuring 27.

Vadym Filashkin, governor of Donetsk, said the shopping center strike damaged 54 shops, 304 apartments, and eight cars.

The military buildup in Kyiv comes on the heels of a new weapons package from the United States. President Donald Trump announced Monday that Ukraine will receive Patriot missile systems through NATO. He also warned of “secondary tariffs” for countries buying Russian oil.

“Such decisions are seen by Ukraine not as a peace signal, but a cue to keep fighting,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. He added that Russia is closely monitoring these missile deliveries.

In an unusual shift, Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “My conversations with him are very pleasant, and then the missiles go off at night.” He claimed previous U.S. presidents were deceived by Putin, but said, “He didn’t fool me.”

Trump’s tougher stance has gained support from European officials. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said, “To have peace, we must support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.” She urged the U.S. to move ahead with additional sanctions.

Amid the surge in violence, Ukraine’s government also carried out a major cabinet reshuffle. The leadership changes reflect the urgent need to strengthen defenses as the war enters another brutal phase.

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