Russian forces launched overnight rocket attacks on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, injuring 13 people, including two children, officials said Tuesday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged European leaders to safeguard the continent by establishing a robust air defense network.
More than three and a half years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, strikes on civilian areas and the ongoing fighting along the roughly 1,000-kilometer front line have shown no sign of slowing. A peace settlement remains distant despite months of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts. Ultimatums from U.S. President Donald Trump for Moscow to engage with proposals to halt the fighting have passed without visible effect.
Zelenskyy said on Telegram that in the past two weeks alone, Russia has launched over 3,500 drones, more than 2,500 powerful glide bombs, and nearly 200 missiles at targets across Ukraine. Glide bombs, dropped from jets behind the front line, and drone swarms continue to challenge Ukrainian defenses. While glide bombs are not highly accurate, they create large craters, and Ukraine currently lacks an effective countermeasure.
Russian drones have also reached Polish territory, prompting NATO to strengthen air defenses in Europe. Zelenskyy called for a multilayered European air defense system, emphasizing that the technologies exist but require investment, commitment, and decisive action from partners.
In Zaporizhzhia, the rocket attacks damaged over 20 apartment buildings and started fires, according to regional head Ivan Fedorov. He said municipal workers were still repairing damage from strikes on Aug. 30 when the latest attacks occurred.
In retaliation, Ukraine has deployed long-range drones against strategic targets inside Russia, including oil refineries, depots, and terminals. These strikes have contributed to gasoline shortages in Russia despite its status as the world’s second-largest oil exporter. Ukraine’s General Staff reported that overnight attacks targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov region, causing explosions and a fire.
