By Andreas Lundberg 
Russia unleashed its largest aerial assault on Ukraine overnight, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens across 30 cities and towns in 12 regions, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, involving 367 missiles and suicide drones, shattered any optimism sparked by a historic prisoner exchange completed on Sunday, signaling Moscow’s intent to escalate rather than pursue peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, describing it as proof that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no interest in ending the war. “Putin must be forced to think not about launching missiles, but about ending the war,” Zelenskyy said, urging Western allies to impose tougher sanctions on Russia’s economy. He emphasized that global pressure could exploit Russia’s economic vulnerabilities to halt the conflict.
The deadly strikes followed a massive prisoner swap, the largest since Russia’s 2022 invasion, with 1,000 Ukrainian and 1,000 Russian POWs exchanged over three days in Istanbul. The swap, finalized on Sunday with the return of 303 Ukrainian soldiers, marked a rare moment of cooperation between Kyiv and Moscow. However, Ukrainian officials downplayed its significance, citing Russia’s continued aggression.
In Kyiv region, four people were killed and a dozen injured, while in Khmelnytskyi, four died and five were wounded, with civilian infrastructure heavily damaged. In Zhytomyr, a Russian strike killed three siblings—aged 8, 12, and 17—buried under rubble, though their parents survived. One death was reported in Mykolayiv. Russia’s defense ministry claimed it downed 110 Ukrainian drones in response.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called for a “full, unconditional, and durable ceasefire” to enable peace efforts, echoing Zelenskyy’s plea for global action. Kyiv is pushing for new EU sanctions targeting Russia’s energy, financial, and military sectors, according to a document from Zelenskyy’s office. Ukraine also seeks stronger U.S. support, but President Donald Trump, in a recent call, indicated he would not yet impose new sanctions despite earlier threats.
Analysts warn that Russia’s increased missile and drone production could signal a broader offensive, with fears of renewed attacks on Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Konrad Muzyka of Rochan Consulting noted that Russia’s growing stockpiles could sustain intense aerial campaigns, straining Ukraine’s defenses as Western aid, particularly from the U.S., remains uncertain.
As Russia’s aggression intensifies, Zelenskyy stressed the need for global resolve: “Determination matters now — the determination of the United States, of European countries, and of all those around the world who seek peace.”
Ethan Caldwell