### Massive Overnight Attack on Ukraine Leaves Three Dead, Dozens Injured

KYIV, Ukraine - In a severe escalation of conflict, a large-scale missile and drone attack struck Ukraine overnight, resulting in at least three deaths and injuries to numerous individuals. This marks one of the most extensive attacks on Ukraine since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion more than three years ago.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 452 drones and 45 missiles, including both cruise and ballistic missiles, during the overnight raid. The assault targeted multiple cities across Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv, causing extensive damage to apartment buildings, administrative offices, commercial warehouses, and cafes. Explosions rocked Kyiv for hours overnight, with several fires reported across the city as a result.

NPR's Kyiv bureau recounted hearing the humming of drones over nearby neighborhoods, punctuated by the sounds of anti-aircraft units and heavy machine guns from Ukraine's mobile air defense teams, which were actively attempting to bring down the drones.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the widespread attack, stating that virtually all of Ukraine was targeted. He emphasized the need for international intervention to halt the conflict and hold Russia accountable. "Now is the moment when America, Europe, and everyone in the world together can stop this war by putting pressure on Russia," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel. He further stressed that allowing the war to continue is tantamount to complicity and bears responsibility.

In a related development, former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy by comparing the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to a children's dispute, suggesting that the two countries should "fight for a while" before initiating peace talks. This statement was made during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who reiterated his country's support for Ukraine. Trump's remarks marked a stark shift from his recent attempts to mediate a ceasefire and peace agreement between the two nations.

Adding to the night's turbulence, the Ukrainian military announced on Facebook that they had carried out strikes on military air bases in Russia. The statement indicated that such strikes would continue until Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine completely ceased.

Earlier this week, during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump was informed that Russia would retaliate for a covert Ukrainian attack over the weekend, which reportedly destroyed numerous Russian bombers.

Russian forces have been launching daily attacks on Ukrainian cities, with a significant uptick in scale in recent weeks. Late in May, a large missile and drone attack orchestrated by Russia targeted Kyiv and other regions, causing at least 12 fatalities. Zelenskyy reported that over 30 cities and villages were hit during those attacks.