Moscow/Kyiv: Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated sharply after an attempted drone strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s helicopter came to light. According to reports, the incident occurred during a night flight over Russia’s Kursk region. The Russian military intercepted and neutralized the Ukrainian drone in time, averting a potential disaster. President Putin was unharmed.
Russian authorities confirmed the attempted attack, stating that Ukraine had targeted the presidential helicopter, but the country’s air defense systems successfully thwarted the threat. The development has drawn international attention amid already strained relations between the two nations.
In a swift and forceful response, Russia launched a large-scale overnight air assault on Ukraine, deploying 367 drones and missiles. Ukrainian defense systems managed to intercept 266 drones and 45 missiles, but several cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi, suffered extensive damage.
At least 13 civilians were killed and dozens injured in the Russian strikes. This marks the second aerial offensive by Russia on Ukraine within just two days. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks and called on the United States to impose additional sanctions on Russia, citing continued aggression and threats to national sovereignty.