Russia launched a massive air assault on Ukraine overnight, which killed at least 13 people and injured many others. Ukrainian officials said the attack involved a record number of drones and missiles, showing that Moscow had no intention of stopping the war.
Assault Follows Largest Prisoner Swap
Although both sides had just carried out their largest prisoner exchange since the conflict began, Russia still moved forward with the attack. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that the strikes hit 13 regions, including the capital Kyiv.
The Ukrainian military reported that its air defense shot down 266 of the 298 drones, along with 45 missiles. Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat said Russia had launched “the highest number ever” of drones in a single night.
A difficult Sunday morning in Ukraine after a sleepless night. The most massive Russian air attack in many weeks lasted all night.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) May 25, 2025
Russia launched hundreds of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles into Ukrainian cities and communities during the night, injuring and… pic.twitter.com/FcawH6DJD4
Explosions Light Up the Night Sky
Meanwhile, videos on social media showed explosions flashing across the sky throughout the night. This attack was the most intense in recent weeks and lasted for hours.
Russia’s continued strikes caused more civilian deaths and injuries. Although peace talks are ongoing, these attacks suggest otherwise. Emergency services described the night as one of “terror.”
Zelenskyy Urges Stronger Global Action
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by demanding tougher international measures against Russia. He said on social media that “without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped.” He also warned that “the silence of America, the silence of others around the world only encourages Putin” and added, “sanctions will certainly help.”
At the same time, the European Union’s top diplomat condemned the strikes. He urged the international community to apply “the strongest international pressure” to stop the war.
Russia Claims It Targeted Military Sites
Russia claimed that the attack was aimed at Ukraine’s “military-industrial complex.” Additionally, it said it had shot down 110 Ukrainian drones during the night.
Not only Kyiv was brutally attacked today by russian terrorists.
— UAVoyager🇺🇦 (@NAFOvoyager) May 25, 2025
Here’s the moment an "Iskander-M" missile slams into civilian buildings in Chernihiv - in the middle of the night.
russia is deliberately targeting civilians.
Share this video - the world needs to see the truth. pic.twitter.com/13JwFfTptu
The day before, Russia launched 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones. Ukrainian officials said 15 people were injured in that earlier attack.
In Russia, drone activity caused temporary flight delays at airports in Moscow. However, authorities reported no injuries.
Major Prisoner Exchange Completed
Despite the airstrike, Ukraine and Russia confirmed a major prisoner swap. The exchange started on Friday and ended on Sunday. Each side freed 303 prisoners, making it the largest such deal since the war began in 2022. So far, both countries have exchanged 1,000 individuals.
Trump Reacts to Attack and Swap
US President Donald Trump praised the prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine. He has repeatedly said that he could end the war quickly if re-elected.
However, Trump strongly criticized Vladimir Putin for the recent attacks. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him! He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He’s needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.”
Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. He said Zelenskyy is doing the country “no favours” by “talking the way he does.” In the same post, Trump also blamed President Joe Biden, though he did not go into detail.