Ukraine-Russia War: In one of the deadliest nights since the war began, Russia launched its biggest aerial assault on Ukraine, killing 13 people and injuring dozens. The attack involved 367 drones and missiles, marking a serious rise in violence just as both countries were completing a major prisoner exchange.
Ukraine-Russia War Update: What Happened in the Massive Overnight Attack?
On the night of May 24-25, 2025, Russia fired 367 aerial weapons at Ukraine, including deadly drones and ballistic missiles. Ukrainian officials confirmed that 13 people were killed, including three children in Zhytomyr, and over a dozen others were injured. The air strikes targeted major cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi.
Ukraine’s air force bravely shot down 266 drones and 45 missiles. But despite their efforts, the damage was widespread. Apartment blocks, power lines, and public infrastructure were heavily hit. In Mykolaiv, a drone hit a residential building, killing a 77-year-old man and injuring five others.
Kyiv Under Fire Again, People Told to Stay in Shelters
Kyiv’s skies were once again filled with the buzzing of enemy drones. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the capital’s military administration, warned that many enemy drones had entered the city’s airspace and more were still coming.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to stay in shelters. In Kyiv, 11 people were injured as air defence systems tried to stop the drones and missiles. In Khmelnytskyi, four people lost their lives in the strikes.
The back-to-back air attacks left residents shocked and afraid, especially as they came just hours apart.
Zelenskyy Blasts Russia and Demands Strong Action from the World
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called this attack “large-scale and vile” and said it was part of Russia’s plan to keep the war going by spreading fear. He criticised the lack of strong global response, especially from the United States under President Donald Trump.
He wrote on Telegram, “The silence of America, the silence of others in the world only encourages Putin. Every terrorist Russian strike is enough reason for new sanctions.”
Zelenskyy added that without international pressure, Russia would continue building up weapons and carrying out more such strikes. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, also warned that Moscow would fight as long as it had the capacity to make weapons.
1,000 Prisoners Swapped as Air Attacks Continue
Surprisingly, this massive air attack came at the same time as the biggest prisoner swap between the two countries since the war began in 2022. Russia and Ukraine exchanged 1,000 people each, including 307 soldiers from both sides. Families of those prisoners got some hope in the middle of chaos and destruction.
Russia Claims to Down Ukrainian Drones Too
On the other side, Russia claimed that it downed 95 Ukrainian drones, including 12 near Moscow, in just four hours. This shows that the conflict is intense on both sides and still far from over.
Ukraine Wants a 30-Day Ceasefire
Despite all this violence, Ukraine is pushing for a 30-day ceasefire. They hope it will create a peaceful path forward and lead to meaningful peace talks. But with strikes continuing day and night, peace still looks like a distant dream.
Ukraine is facing one of its darkest moments. The biggest air attack by Russia has left cities burning, families broken, and hopes shaken. Even as prisoners return home, the sky above remains dangerous. People in Ukraine are still waiting for the world to act stronger and faster to stop the war.
FAQs
What happened in Ukraine on May 25, 2025?
Russia launched 367 drones and missiles in the war’s biggest air attack, killing 13 and injuring many more.
Which cities were hit the hardest in Ukraine?
Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi were targeted.
Did Ukraine defend itself?
Yes, Ukraine’s air force downed 266 drones and 45 missiles, but there was still a lot of destruction.
Was there a prisoner swap during the attacks?
Yes, Ukraine and Russia exchanged 1,000 prisoners each, including 307 soldiers from both sides.
What did Zelenskyy say about the global response?
He criticised the weak international response and asked for stronger US sanctions and more global pressure on Russia.
