Zelensky Accuses Russia of Massive Drone Strike, Ending Partial Ceasefire

(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that Russian forces carried out a large-scale aerial attack overnight, deploying more than 200 drones and effectively bringing what he described as a “partial ceasefire” to an end.

He warned that Ukraine would mirror Russia’s actions in response, saying on social media: "We have said that we will respond in kind to all Russian steps."

According to his remarks, Russian forces also used over 80 aerial bombs and conducted more than 30 airstrikes during the same wave of attacks.

Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian air defenses intercepted drones across several regions, including Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv, as well as in Kyiv and its surrounding areas.

He added that the strikes caused damage to critical infrastructure, residential apartment blocks, and a kindergarten. He also noted that a civilian locomotive was hit in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

The president said there were casualties, stating: "People have been reported injured as a result of these strikes. And, unfortunately, there are fatalities."

He expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured.

Zelenskyy further urged an end to the conflict, stressing the need for a genuine ceasefire and stronger international pressure on Moscow: "Russia must end this war, and it is Russia that must take the step toward a real, lasting ceasefire."

In a separate account attributed to Russian military authorities, it was reported that air defenses intercepted 31 Ukrainian drones overnight over several regions including Belgorod, Volgograd, Voronezh, and Rostov, according to reports.

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