Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the United States to impose stricter sanctions on Russia following a wave of overnight drone attacks that targeted multiple Ukrainian regions. The attacks, which struck areas including Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih and the Sumy region, occurred just a day after the U.S. announced two ceasefire agreements with Ukraine and Russia.
Russia Strikes Despite Ceasefire Agreements
The United States confirmed on Tuesday that it had brokered separate deals with Ukraine and Russia to halt strikes in the Black Sea and on each other’s energy facilities. However, the specifics of these agreements remain unclear. While Zelensky stated that the ceasefire was effective immediately, the Kremlin countered, saying it would not fully comply unless Russian banks were reconnected to the global financial system.
Despite the agreement, Ukraine reported that Russia launched over 100 drones overnight, marking one of the largest aerial assaults in months. While Kyiv did not report any direct strikes on energy infrastructure, Zelensky condemned the attacks, saying they undermined the spirit of peace negotiations.
Ukraine Fights Back, Russia Reports Drone Attacks
Ukraine’s air defense successfully intercepted 56 out of 117 drones, while electronic warfare systems neutralized another 48, according to the military. Meanwhile, Russian officials claimed they downed nine Ukrainian drones, including two over the Black Sea. They also accused Ukraine of attempting to strike a gas storage facility in Russian-occupied Crimea and energy sites in Russia’s Kursk and Bryansk regions, though no damage was reported.
Local officials in Kryvyi Rih described the attack as the most intense drone assault the city has faced since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. “This is how the occupiers ‘want peace,’” said Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city’s military administration, referring to the destruction and fires caused by the strikes.
Cities Struggle Under Constant Assault
For months, Ukrainian cities have endured relentless drone and missile attacks, leading to power outages and infrastructure damage. While Russia has primarily targeted Ukraine’s power grid in the past, recent strikes have focused on gas facilities. In response, Ukraine has launched drone strikes on Russian oil facilities.
In Mykolaiv, a key port city, emergency power outages were reported early Wednesday following the drone assault. Although the extent of the damage remains unclear, local officials confirmed that trolleybus services were briefly disrupted. Meanwhile, in Okhtyrka, a city in the Sumy region, drone attacks damaged apartment buildings, administrative offices, shops, and market stalls.
Zelensky reiterated the need for stronger global pressure on Moscow. “Everyone affected must receive assistance, but there must also be firm action against Russia. The U.S. must impose stronger sanctions to stop these strikes,” he wrote on X.
What’s Next?
The latest attacks highlight the fragility of the recently announced ceasefire agreements and raise questions about their enforcement. With Moscow continuing its aerial assaults and Kyiv vowing to defend its territory, the prospects for lasting peace remain uncertain.
Ukraine continues to push for more U.S. support, and as the situation unfolds, international response to Russia’s actions will be crucial in shaping the next phase of the conflict.
