Zelenskiy: Russia Hits Ukraine with 30 Missiles and 300 Drones Overnight

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Russia launched an intense overnight assault using over 30 missiles and more than 300 drones. The attacks caused significant damage, especially to key infrastructure in the northeastern region of Sumy. Several thousand families in the area were left without electricity due to the strikes.

The barrage is part of a pattern of increasing aerial attacks by Russia, which has intensified its use of drones and missiles targeting Ukraine’s energy systems and civilian infrastructure. These attacks often occur at night, aiming to cripple the country’s power grid and spread fear among the population.

Zelenskiy shared the update through a statement on Telegram, Ukraine’s widely used messaging platform. He emphasized the scale of the assault and the immediate consequences for the local population. While the president did not provide detailed information on casualties or specific facilities hit, he highlighted that emergency services are working to restore power and respond to the damage.

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This latest wave comes as Ukraine continues to call for more Western air defense systems and long-range weapons. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that their country’s ability to withstand these strikes depends heavily on continued military and logistical support from allies.

Sumy, located near the border with Russia, has frequently been a target throughout the war, given its proximity and strategic significance. The overnight attack underscores the ongoing volatility of the region and the challenges Ukraine faces in protecting its infrastructure and citizens.

The Ukrainian air force reported that it had intercepted a number of the incoming drones and missiles, though many managed to reach their targets. The scale of the attack points to Russia’s continued reliance on drone swarms and missile salvos in its military strategy.

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Russia's overnight attack marks one of the most intense drone assaults in recent months, reflecting a shift in tactics as it increasingly uses mass drone strikes alongside traditional missile attacks. Ukraine’s military said that more than 300 drones, possibly of Iranian design, were used, highlighting the growing role of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare.

These drones are often inexpensive and can be deployed in large numbers to overwhelm air defenses. By launching them at night, Russia makes interception more difficult, forcing Ukraine to expend valuable resources and personnel to track and shoot them down. According to military analysts, this tactic is designed to stretch Ukraine’s air defense systems and inflict cumulative damage to energy and civilian infrastructure.

Zelenskiy has consistently warned international partners that Ukraine cannot hold off these attacks alone. Saturday’s assault strengthens Ukraine’s argument for more robust air defense support, particularly advanced systems capable of defending large areas against mixed drone and missile barrages. The country has requested additional Patriot missile batteries and radar systems to help reduce damage from such attacks.

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The psychological impact of constant drone alerts and nighttime explosions is also weighing on the Ukrainian population. Many civilians are forced to sleep in shelters, basements, or without power, as seen in Sumy. Restoring essential services becomes a race against time for local authorities, especially with ongoing heatwaves or cold spells depending on the season.

Meanwhile, international reaction to the latest attack has begun to emerge. Several European leaders condemned the strikes and reiterated support for Ukraine’s defense. However, Zelenskiy has stressed that words alone are not enough Ukraine needs faster delivery of weapons and defensive systems to protect its people and critical infrastructure.

As Russia escalates its air campaign, Ukraine braces for further nights of fear, fire, and resilience.

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