In one of the largest aerial assaults on Ukraine this year, Russia launched a barrage of 574 drones and 40 missiles overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force reported Thursday. The attack focused primarily on western regions, resulting in at least one death and 15 injuries, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that among the targets was a major U.S.-owned electronics manufacturer in the west of the country, though he did not provide further details.
The western regions, distant from the front lines in the east and south, serve as key routes for Western military aid moving into Ukraine. Officials say this was the third largest drone attack and the eighth-largest missile strike in 2025 so far.
The strikes occurred amid renewed U.S.-led efforts to negotiate peace after more than three years of war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, criticizing Moscow’s apparent disregard for diplomatic efforts. He urged the international community to respond with increased sanctions and pressure.
Zelenskyy noted that one of the cruise missiles struck a U.S. business producing household appliances like coffee machines, calling the attack on a civilian facility "very telling" of Russia’s intentions.
Amid escalating violence, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is intensifying consultations with allies regarding potential security guarantees. He mentioned that, following positive signs from the U.S., Ukraine could be ready for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin within 10 days.
A potential trilateral meeting involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin is under discussion, with possible venues including Switzerland, Austria, or Turkey.
Zelenskyy explained that the aim is to finalize a framework for long-term security guarantees similar to NATO’s Article 5. While over 30 countries have pledged in principle to support Ukraine’s security, progress has stalled due to the U.S. previously withholding a clear stance.
Recent signals from Trump indicating support for "Article 5-style" guarantees have reignited momentum. Zelenskyy stated that some countries previously uninvolved in the talks are now showing interest, and that Turkey has offered to help ensure security in the Black Sea region.
However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any effort to craft security arrangements excluding Russia would be futile. Speaking to Russian media, he insisted Moscow would protect its national interests “firmly and harshly.”
Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine's willingness to hold direct talks with Putin but emphasized the need for a strong U.S. response if Russia refuses to engage.
Reflecting on his recent Oval Office meeting with Trump and European leaders, Zelenskyy said he tried to counter Moscow’s portrayal of the war. He pointed out inaccuracies in U.S. maps that overestimated Russian territorial control and highlighted the strategic importance of regions like Donbas and Dnipropetrovsk.
He stressed that any withdrawal from the east would open pathways to key cities like Kharkiv, making it impossible for Ukraine to pull back without severe consequences.
“I believe President Trump understood the reality on the ground,” Zelenskyy concluded.