Russia Launches Record 728 Drones on Ukraine in Overnight Assault as Poland Scrambles Jets
Ukraine says most intense aerial attack of the war targeted 11 regions, especially Lutsk near Polish border; Kyiv downs 296 drones, while rest vanish or are jammed.
Watan-In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing war, Russia launched a record 728 drones—mostly of the Shahed and Decoy models—on Ukrainian territory overnight, along with 13 missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. This marks the largest single aerial assault since the war began three years ago.
Lutsk Hit Hardest:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the city of Lutsk, in northwest Ukraine near the Polish and Belarusian borders, was the most heavily hit, though 10 other regions were also bombarded. Lutsk is known to host key Ukrainian military airbases with regular military air traffic, making it a strategic target.
Ukraine’s Response:
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 296 drones and 7 missiles were successfully shot down. However, 415 drones went off radar or were jammed, leaving uncertainty about the full extent of the damage.
Russian Claims and Escalation:
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that its forces hit all designated Ukrainian airbase targets. In a counterattack, Ukraine reportedly launched drone strikes into Russian territory, which killed three people, according to Russian officials.
Simultaneously, Russia intensified its ground offensive along the 1,000 km front line, putting immense pressure on Ukraine’s thinly stretched forces.
Poland on High Alert:
Following the Russian bombardment of Lutsk, Poland scrambled fighter jets and raised its military readiness to the highest level. The Polish Armed Forces Operational Command posted an alert on X (formerly Twitter), signaling the country’s deep concern over the attacks near its borders.
Trump, Putin, and Kremlin Response:
Meanwhile, tensions on the diplomatic front remain high. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, after approving new defensive arms to Ukraine, issued harsh criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov brushed off the rhetoric, saying Trump has always had a “sharp tone” and that Russia still welcomes dialogue with the U.S.
Peskov reaffirmed Russia’s military goal of establishing a so-called “buffer zone” inside Ukrainian territory—effectively a land grab along the border. He added that Russia is awaiting Ukraine’s response for a proposed new round of negotiations in Istanbul.
