'Most massive air strike': Russia launches biggest aerial attack since war began, says Ukraine — 537 weapons used

Russia launched its biggest aerial attack against Ukraine during the night, a Ukrainian official said on Sunday, as part of an escalating bombing campaign that further dashed hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the three-year-old war.

Russia fired a total of 537 aerial weapons at Ukraine, including 477 drones and decoys and 60 missiles, Ukraine’s air force said, as reported by Associated Press. Of these, 249 were shot down and 226 were lost, likely having been electronically jammed.

Yuriy Ihnat, Head of Communications for Ukraine’s air force, told AP that the overnight onslaught was “the most massive air strike” on the country, taking into account both drones and various types of missiles.

The attack targeted regions across Ukraine, including western Ukraine, far from the frontline. Poland and allied countries scrambled aircraft to ensure the safety of Polish airspace, the Polish air force said on Sunday. Kherson regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said one person died in a drone strike. Six people were wounded in Cherkasy, including a child, according to regional Governor Ihor Taburets.

This marks an escalation after the attacks during the early days of this month, was was said to be the 'most powerful attack since start of war' at the time. The attack killed at least three people and injuring 21 others, according to local officials.

Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said barrage had damaged 18 apartment blocks and 13 private houses.