US ‘silence’ encouraging Putin, says Zelensky, after Russia launches record air assault

Russia launched its largest aerial assault since the invasion of Ukraine began, killing at least 12 people. The overnight strike targeted Kyiv and 21 other areas, using 69 missiles and 298 drones, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.

The death toll included three children from one family in the Zhytomyr region. Their mother remains in critical condition. “We are in pain… We bow our heads in sorrow,” the children's school wrote in a Facebook post.

This was the second consecutive night of strikes, and the deadliest so far. Dozens more were injured. Ukrainian officials said 47 missiles and 266 drones were intercepted.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the U.S. for its “silence.” He called for new international sanctions, warning that passivity emboldens Russia.

“Each terrorist attack by Russia justifies new sanctions,” Zelensky said on Telegram. “America’s silence only encourages Putin.”

In Kyiv, sirens blared for hours as civilians took shelter. Residential buildings across several districts were damaged. The capital endured what officials called “the most massive Russian air attack in many weeks.”

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted on social media: “A difficult Sunday morning in Ukraine after a sleepless night.”

The latest wave came despite a significant diplomatic milestone. On Sunday, Ukraine and Russia completed the final phase of a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange. Over 600 prisoners returned home.

Zelensky praised his team’s work on the swap. “I’m grateful to the team that worked around the clock to successfully implement this exchange,” he said.

Videos showed freed Ukrainian prisoners calling their families and draped in national flags. Others smiled while eating chocolate. Over 600 were released on Saturday. Nearly 800 came home Friday.

Russia's defense ministry said it exchanged 303 Russian servicemen for an equal number of Ukrainian POWs. The Istanbul meeting that led to this exchange followed a European ultimatum for Putin: ceasefire or face sanctions.

Despite the swap, the assault indicates that Russia is not slowing down. Just last weekend, Russia launched a record-breaking 273 drones in one night.

Trump weighed in Sunday, saying, “We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities.” Speaking to reporters, the former president said, “I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin… but he’s killing people, and I don’t like it.”

Trump also criticized Zelensky in a Truth Social post. He claimed the Ukrainian president’s comments were “doing his country no favors.”

Keith Kellogg, Trump’s former national security advisor, called the attack a “clear violation” of the 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols. Those protocols are designed to protect civilians during wartime.

Ukraine is now urging the West to act. “Without strong pressure on Russia, this brutality cannot be stopped,” Zelensky warned. He called for “fresh sanctions” from Europe and the U.S.

However, Trump rejected the idea of joining new sanctions. “There’s a chance of progress,” he said. But he added, “That could change.”

Russia claimed it was also under attack. The defense ministry said it intercepted about 100 Ukrainian drones on Sunday. Most were destroyed over central and southern regions, with 13 near Moscow.

The day before, Russia said it had shot down 94 drones. Most were over Belgorod and Bryansk, with more intercepted in Kursk, Voronezh, and Tula.

Tula Governor Dmitry Miliaev said three people were injured in Saturday’s strikes. Two required hospitalization.

As the war enters its third year, both sides show no signs of stopping. Ukraine is still calling for aid. Russia continues to escalate.

“This war doesn’t pause for weekends,” Zelensky said. “The world may go on vacation—but we don’t.”