Russia launches 'aerial terror' with biggest drone attack since start of war - Zelenskyy
23 February 2025, 11:46 | Updated: 23 February 2025, 16:10
Russia has launched its biggest drone attack on Ukraine since the war started, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.
He condemned Russia for its "aerial terror" as he reported more than 250 drones had hit his country overnight.
It comes ahead of the third-year anniversary of Russia's land, air and sea invasion of its smaller neighbour, which started on 24 February 2022.
"Every day, our people stand against aerial terror," Mr Zelenskyy wrote on X.
"On the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale war, Russia launched 267 attack drones against Ukraine - the largest attack since Iranian drones began striking Ukrainian cities and villages."
Later during a wide-ranging news conference the Ukrainian President said:
- He would give up his role if it meant peace for Ukraine and membership of NATO.
- Talks on a minerals deal with the US are moving forward, adding "all is OK". This comes after news yesterday that talks had stalled.
- He shrugged of Donald Trump's suggestion that he is dictator. "I wasn't offended, but a dictator would be", he added.
A total of 138 of the drones were downed and another 119 disappeared from radars after being jammed by electronic warfare, Ukraine's air force said in a statement, as damage was reported across five regions.
Mr Zelenskyy said in total nearly 1,150 attack drones, more than 1,400 guided aerial bombs and 35 missiles of various types were launched by Russia at Ukraine in the past week.
He thanked those operating Ukraine's air defences and called on the country's foreign allies to stand united to secure a "just and lasting peace".
"This is achievable through the unity of all partners - we need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who seeks lasting peace."
It comes amid concerns over Mr Trump's recent war of words with Mr Zelenskyy and the Republican's false claim that Kyiv started the war.
During a news conference 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 end the war is possible under his watch.
He said he was "dealing" with both the Ukrainian and Russian leaders.
"I've spoken to President Putin and I think that thing [the war] is going to end," he told reporters.
Ukraine has insisted it won't accept any deal agreed without its participation, after it was excluded from this week's meeting between top US and Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia.
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Mr Trump also said he was determined to get payback for billions of dollars of military hardware and other assistance provided to Ukraine.
The US leader has sought an agreement from Ukraine for access to the country's natural resources in exchange for weapons.
Mr Trump has said a deal was close, but a source with knowledge of the negotiations told Sky News the Ukrainian president is not ready to sign.
(c) Sky News 2025: Russia launches 'aerial terror' with biggest drone attack since start of war - Zelenskyy
