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Russia launches war's largest drone attack on Ukraine, Kyiv says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 23, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: February 27, 2026

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Drone attack on Ukraine by Russia during the ongoing conflict - Global Banking & Finance Review
An image depicting the aftermath of Russia's largest drone attack on Ukraine, with over 200 drones launched. This significant aerial assault highlights the ongoing conflict and challenges faced by Ukraine's air defenses.
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KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that Russia launched more than 200 drones in an overnight attack, the largest of the war, as he condemned Russia's "aerial

Russia launches war's largest drone attack on Ukraine, Kyiv

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that Russia launched more than 200 drones in an overnight attack, the largest of the war, as he condemned Russia's "aerial terror" and called for unity among Ukraine's allies.

"Every day, our people stand against aerial terror," he wrote on X.

"On the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale war, Russia launched 267 attack drones against Ukraine — the largest attack since Iranian drones began striking Ukrainian cities and villages."

Ukraine's air force said in a statement that 138 of the drones were downed and another 119 disappeared from radars after being jammed by electronic warfare, adding that Russia also launched three ballistic missiles. Damage was reported in five regions of Ukraine.

Moscow has launched near-nightly massed drone attacks at Ukraine for months, seeking to exhaust air defences.

Zelenskiy said that in total, nearly 1,150 attack drones, more than 1,400 guided aerial bombs and 35 missiles of various types, were launched by Russia at Ukraine in the past week.

The president thanked those operating Ukraine's air defences, and called on the country's foreign allies to stand united to secure a "just and lasting peace".

"This is achievable through the unity of all partners — we need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who seeks lasting peace."

Kyiv and its European allies have been unnerved by new U.S. President Donald Trump verbally attacking Zelenskiy last week, as well as by a meeting between U.S. and Russian delegations in Riyadh to which Ukraine was not invited.

(Reporting by Max Hunder; Editing by David Goodman and Susan Fenton)

Key Takeaways

  • Russia launched over 200 drones in a single attack on Ukraine.
  • Zelenskiy condemns Russia's aerial terror and calls for unity.
  • Ukraine's air force downed 138 drones; 119 were jammed.
  • Damage reported in five Ukrainian regions.
  • Zelenskiy urges global unity for lasting peace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the scale of the recent drone attack on Ukraine?
Russia launched 267 attack drones against Ukraine, marking the largest attack since the beginning of the war.
How did Ukraine's air force respond to the drone attack?
Ukraine's air force reported that 138 drones were downed, while another 119 disappeared from radars due to electronic warfare.
What did President Zelenskiy say about the attack?
Zelenskiy condemned the aerial terror and thanked those operating Ukraine's air defenses, urging foreign allies to unite for peace.
What has been the trend of drone attacks from Russia?
Moscow has conducted near-nightly massed drone attacks for months, aiming to exhaust Ukraine's air defenses.
What concerns did Kyiv express regarding international relations?
Kyiv and its European allies are concerned about U.S. President Donald Trump's recent verbal attacks on Zelenskiy and a meeting between U.S. and Russian delegations.

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