Russia Launches Over 1,500 Drones and Missiles at Ukraine Following Ceasefire Expiration

Following the expiration of a US-backed three-day 'V-Day' ceasefire, Russian forces launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying over 1,560 drones and numerous missiles within a 48-hour period. President Volodymyr Zelensky described this as one of the largest attacks since the war began in 2022, targeting at least 180 sites including over 50 residential buildings. The strikes caused significant devastation in Kyiv, particularly in the Darnytsia neighborhood, where a nine-story apartment block collapsed. Officials confirmed at least seven deaths, including a 12-year-old girl, with 20 people still missing and dozens wounded. While Ukrainian air defenses claimed a 93% interception rate, the attack resulted in severe civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The Kremlin appears to be retaliating for recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy facilities. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the timing of the attacks, which coincided with international peace meetings in Beijing, stating that such actions contradict any notion of the war ending.