The war between Russia and Ukraine entered its 1,200th day on Saturday, as Moscow launched a massive combined drone and ground assault on Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, killing four civilians and injuring at least 60 others, according to local reports.
“Kharkiv is currently experiencing the most powerful attack since the start of the full-scale war,” Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on social media, referring to the barrage that struck the city overnight.
The attacks also extended to the front lines in the Donetsk region, where three deaths were reported, while another three casualties were recorded in the embattled Kherson region.
Russian troops reportedly seized control of a section of the Yunakivka–Sudzha highway in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region, a route Ukrainian forces had previously used to resupply troops near Russia’s Kursk region.
Drone barrage and missile strike
Ukrainian officials stated that Russia had launched a total of 206 drones, two ballistic missiles and seven additional projectiles at various locations across Ukraine overnight. Kyiv said its air defence forces intercepted 87 drones, while another 80 reportedly malfunctioned or failed to reach targets.
Significant damage was reported to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, further straining public utilities already battered by months of bombardment.
Also read: Russia fires 400 drones, 40 missiles in largest Ukraine assault
A planned exchange of fallen soldiers between the two countries has been jeopardised, with both Moscow and Kyiv blaming each other for the impasse. The proposed swap of around 6,000 bodies was reportedly agreed during recent direct negotiations held in Istanbul.
Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s lead negotiator, said refrigerated vehicles carrying over 1,200 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers had reached the border exchange point when Kyiv unexpectedly withdrew from the arrangement.
In response, Ukrainian officials accused Russia of “playing dirty games” and distorting facts to score political points.
Zelensky renews plea for air defence
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed calls for urgent military assistance from the United States, particularly advanced air defence systems. Zelensky’s request follows what he described as a “chaotic wave” of attacks involving loitering drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles in succession — a pattern that is reportedly overwhelming Ukraine’s layered defence.
While Washington has shown support, reports suggest US President Donald Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with Zelensky, particularly over what American officials described as a poorly planned Ukrainian strike on a Russian airbase in Siberia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stern warning, stating that the United States may withdraw from ongoing diplomatic efforts should both sides fail to pursue a ceasefire.
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