Last week, Ukraine was the target of more Russian attacks, leaving behind scenes of territorial destruction that included the capital, Kyiv, and several other regions. The attack resulted in deaths, injuries, and panic among the population, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy described it as a cowardly and cruel act. Poland, Ukraine’s neighbor, mobilized fighter jets to protect its airspace and prevent Russian drones from invading its territory. It is worth mentioning that these attacks occurred at a delicate time just days after the UN General Assembly, where the conflict was a topic of discussion among world leaders.
Zelenskyy says Russia is exposing its true colors with prolonged bombing
According to Ukrainian government announcements, the attacks lasted about 12 hours and included nearly 600 drones launched and more than 40 missiles, being mentioned as one of the largest sequences of attacks since the beginning of the invasion in 2022. The figures indicate that at least four people died, including a 12-year-old girl. In addition to the deaths, dozens of people were injured, and many buildings such as hospitals, residential buildings and even a cardiology center were hit.
After the attack, Zelenskyy took the opportunity to make another international appeal. “This is exactly how Russia declares its true position, Moscow wants to keep fighting and killing, and it deserves the toughest pressure from the world,” he said
The president also mentioned the coincidence of the attacks occurring at the end of diplomatic week in New York, claiming that it was no coincidence and that it sends a clear message from Putin to the world about his persistent position on the war.
Poland strengthens air defenses and closes airspace in strategic cities
Concerns about this Russian attack were not limited to Ukraine. As a precautionary measure due to the imminent risk of incursions, Poland sent fighter jets into the skies during the night of the attacks and placed defense systems on alert. Cities near the border, such as Lublin and Rzeszów, even had their airspace temporarily closed.
The measures adopted by the Poles demonstrate the concern of nations bordering the war over escalating into their territories. In recent months, Russian drones have been detected not only in Poland, but also in countries such as Romania, Denmark, and Estonia. Although Moscow denies any intention to attack NATO members, such violations have been frequent.
The international community condemns the attacks
International reactions to the attacks were immediate. The British government accused Putin of maintaining his commitment to war “at any cost.” Finland called for new European Union sanctions against the Russian regime, and in the United States, leaders reinforced that NATO is ready to defend its entire territory should the attacks extend beyond Ukrainian borders.
Despite this, the prolongation of the conflict depends largely on Russia’s energy revenues. Zelenskyy, for his part, called on allies to completely cut off imports of Russian oil, a measure that could reduce Moscow’s ability to finance the war.
Conflict threatens neighbors as Zelenskyy demands more pressure
The main consequence goes beyond diplomatic discussions about the conflict; it directly impacts the residents of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities who live in constant fear of new attacks and have to deal with more fear, deaths, and territorial destruction, leaving the question of when this dispute will come to an end.
That answer remains uncertain. These most recent attacks make it clear that the war is not yet showing signs of ending. And now the concern is no longer limited to Ukraine, but also extends to neighbors like Poland, which are strengthening their defenses to prevent the conflict from spilling over borders. Amid all this tension, Zelenskyy continues to demand international pressure, while entire populations continue to live in fear of the next attack.