Russia has launched its largest drone assault on Ukraine because the warfare began, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated.
He condemned Russia for its “aerial terror” as he reported greater than 250 drones had hit his nation in a single day.
It comes forward of the third-year anniversary of Russia’s land, air and sea invasion of its smaller neighbour, which began on 24 February 2022.
“Each day, our individuals stand in opposition to aerial terror,” Mr Zelenskyy wrote on X.
“On the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale warfare, Russia launched 267 assault drones in opposition to Ukraine – the most important assault since Iranian drones started hanging Ukrainian cities and villages.”
A complete of 138 of the drones have been downed and one other 119 disappeared from radars after being jammed by digital warfare, Ukraine’s air pressure stated in an announcement, as harm was reported throughout 5 areas.
Mr Zelenskyy, who has had a troubling few days as US President Donald Trump on Wednesday referred to him as a “dictator”, stated in whole almost 1,150 assault drones, greater than 1,400 guided aerial bombs and 35 missiles of assorted sorts have been launched by Russia at Ukraine up to now week.
He thanked these working Ukraine’s air defences and referred to as on the nation’s international allies to face united to safe a “simply and lasting peace”.
“That is achievable via the unity of all companions – we want the energy of all of Europe, the energy of America, the energy of everybody who seeks lasting peace.”
It comes amid issues over Mr Trump’s current confrontation with Mr Zelenskyy and the Republican’s false declare that Kyiv began the warfare.
Throughout a information convention on Saturday, Mr Trump – who alarmed Europe and Ukraine by holding a recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin – repeated his optimism {that a} deal to finish the warfare is feasible beneath his watch.
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Conflicting views over Ukraine deal
He stated he was “dealing” with each the Ukrainian and Russian leaders.
“I’ve spoken to President Putin and I feel that factor [the war] goes to finish,” he informed reporters.
Ukraine has insisted it will not settle for any deal agreed with out its participation, after it was excluded from this week’s assembly between high US and Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia.
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US envoy says US is ‘with’ Ukraine
Fact-checking Donald Trump’s claims
Mr Trump additionally stated he was determined to get payback for billions of {dollars} of army {hardware} and different help supplied to Ukraine.
The US chief has sought an settlement from Ukraine for entry to the nation’s pure sources in change for weapons.
Mr Trump has stated a deal was shut, however a supply with data of the negotiations informed Sky Information the Ukrainian president just isn’t able to signal.
