UN Chief Denounces Record-High Russian Drone Offensive Against Ukraine

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced Russia’s most extensive drone and missile strike to date in the ongoing three-year conflict in Ukraine on Saturday.

“The Secretary-General ardently condemns the recent wave of large-scale drone and missile assaults carried out by the Russian Federation,” Guterres stated in a declaration regarding the attacks on Friday, while also urging for a complete, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire.

Prolonged bombardment by Russian forces led to widespread panic, prompting Ukrainians to seek refuge in shelters throughout the nation.

AFP reporters in Kyiv reported the sound of drones overhead and explosions resonating through the night as Ukrainian air defense systems responded to the offensive.

In Kyiv, emergency services confirmed that at least 26 individuals were injured due to the Russian drone attacks.

The assault, as reported by the air force, involved 539 drones and 11 missiles.

A spokesperson for Ukraine’s air force informed local media that this was the largest attack witnessed during the Russian invasion.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about this concerning escalation and the increasing number of civilian casualties. Attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law and must cease immediately,” stated UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric in the issued declaration.