In a bold display of defiance, Russia has launched a new barrage of drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, ignoring a pointed warning issued by U.S. President Donald Trump. The escalation underscores Moscow’s hardened military posture and its apparent dismissal of diplomatic pressures from Western political figures.
Analysts see the strikes as both a tactical maneuver and a symbolic snub—signaling that the Kremlin remains undeterred by external threats, even from high-profile global actors. As Ukraine braces for continued aggression, the strikes further complicate international efforts to negotiate a path to de-escalation in the prolonged conflict.
The attacks left one woman dead and wounded more than two dozen people across multiple regions, while a missile attack cut power and water in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s home city of Kryvyi Rig, according to authorities.
The bombardment came two days after US President Trump threatened to impose severe sanctions against the country unless it reached a peace settlement within 50 days to end its three-year war on Ukraine.
Ukrainian and Russian officials last met for direct peace talks more than a month ago, and no further meetings have been scheduled despite the Kremlin saying it is open for more talks.
Russia fired at least 400 drones at Ukraine between late Tuesday and early Wednesday, as well as an Iskander ballistic missile launched from the annexed Crimean peninsula, the Ukrainian air force said.
Overnight drone attacks on the central Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia left eight wounded, while three were wounded in an attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, local authorities said.
Russian attacks on the city of Kryvyi Rig wounded at least 15 people, destroyed an industrial building and disrupted power and water supplies, according to local officials.
A 17-year-old boy was among those injured, the city’s mayor Oleksandr Vilkul said on Telegram.
“He was wounded in the abdominal cavity. He was immediately taken to the hospital, in serious condition. Now doctors are fighting for his life,” he wrote.
“This has never happened before. A ballistic missile and 28 Shaheds simultaneously,” he added, referring to Iranian-designed drones.
Russia has stepped up its summer campaign against Ukraine in recent weeks as Washington-mediated ceasefire talks stall.
Its army has pushed ahead on the battlefield, while pounding Ukraine with combined drone, artillery and missile strikes.
Trump said Monday he had struck a deal with NATO chief to supply more American air defence systems and weapons to Ukraine, citing his frustration with Russia’s refusal to accept a ceasefire.
