The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensified once again when Russia attacked 14 regions of Ukraine with 574 drones and 40 missiles, in what was the largest airstrike since July 2025. The attack killed three people and injured more than 40, while causing severe damage to power plants and residential buildings. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it a “deliberate massacre of civilians” and accused Moscow of provoking the war. Details of the attacks On the night of August 22, 2025, Russia attacked 14 regions of Ukraine, including the cities of Kyiv, Zaporizhia, Lutsk, and Dnipro, with 574 drones and 40 missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force claimed to have shot down 577 drones and missiles, but many managed to evade missile defense systems. In Zaporizhia, 2,500 homes were left without power, while energy infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged. The attack killed three people and injured more than 40, including children. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that it targeted Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises and air bases. On the other hand, Ukraine responded by Ukraine's military intelligence claimed to have shot down more than 40 Russian warplanes in Operation Spider Web, a major blow to Russia. Zelensky's response Ukrainian President Zelensky strongly condemned the attacks, saying that "the attacks were carried out at a time when world leaders are meeting for peace talks, which shows Moscow's intention to provoke war." He called on the international community to impose energy and banking sanctions on Russia. Zelensky said after meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia that he was ready to meet Russian President Putin in a neutral country like Switzerland or Austria. Parubi's murder confirmed Meanwhile, news of the assassination of former Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubi shook the nation. Zelenskyy called it a “horrible murder” and announced that all resources would be used to arrest the killers. “The memory of Parubi will always live in our hearts,” he wrote on the X. Global reaction US President Donald Trump, who is making diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, spoke by phone with Zelensky and stressed the need for peace talks. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, saying that “Putin is destroying hopes for peace by killing civilians.” The European Union also summoned Moscow’s ambassador. “Every night our forces try to save lives, but this aggression by Russia is the biggest obstacle to peace.” — Zelensky References Express Urdu, Sach TV, DWBBC Urdu, Amit News X Post