Ukraine has once again faced a long and painful night of violence. President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned what he called “vile” Russian attacks that went on for nearly 12 hours. The strikes left parts of Ukraine in darkness, damaged homes, and caused fresh fears among civilians who have been living with war for more than two years.

A Night of Relentless Strikes

According to Ukrainian officials, the attacks began late in the evening and continued until the following morning. Explosions and air raid sirens echoed across multiple cities, forcing families into shelters. Electricity supplies were cut in some regions, and emergency workers rushed to put out fires caused by falling debris.

Zelensky said the overnight strikes were another attempt by Russia to break Ukraine’s spirit. He called the actions cruel, pointing out that they targeted both infrastructure and areas where people live.

Civilian Impact

Many Ukrainians were forced to spend the night in basements or underground stations for safety. Parents tried to comfort their children while listening to the constant sound of drones and missiles. Rescue teams worked tirelessly, moving through rubble to help those trapped in damaged buildings.

Although officials are still counting the total number of casualties, early reports confirmed both injuries and deaths. Zelensky noted that the true victims of these attacks are ordinary families who only want peace.

Ukraine’s Response

Despite the intensity of the strikes, Ukrainian air defense systems managed to intercept many of the incoming missiles and drones. Military leaders praised the efforts of air defense crews who worked through the night. Still, they admitted that the sheer length of the assault made it one of the toughest nights in recent weeks.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not be intimidated. In his daily address, he said Ukraine will keep defending itself and called for stronger international support to protect the skies. He added that advanced defense systems from allies are essential to prevent similar long attacks in the future.

International Reactions

The strikes drew swift condemnation from Ukraine’s partners. European leaders expressed their solidarity with Kyiv and promised continued support. Calls were renewed for more sanctions against Russia, with some officials stressing that targeting civilians and infrastructure amounts to war crimes.

In Washington, U.S. officials also spoke out, highlighting the need to speed up military assistance packages to Ukraine. They noted that protecting civilian areas should remain a top priority.

Zelensky’s Message

For Zelensky, the attacks serve as a reminder of why Ukraine’s fight is not just about land but about survival and justice. He described the strikes as “vile” because they were designed to cause maximum suffering rather than achieve military goals.

He ended his remarks by thanking Ukrainians for their courage and resilience. “Every night we endure makes us stronger,” he said, urging the world not to look away from the human cost of the war.

Conclusion

The 12-hour assault once again shows the heavy burden carried by the people of Ukraine. Zelensky’s sharp words underline the urgency of international support and the determination of Ukrainians to keep resisting. While the night was long and terrif