Russia Intensifies Drone Strikes on Ukraine, Sparking Global Condemnation
Russia has escalated its aerial attacks on Ukraine, launching a fresh wave of drone strikes that have left widespread destruction and casualties in their wake. Overnight into Sunday, March 10, 2025, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia deployed 119 Shahed attack drones into the country. Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept 73 of these drones, while 37 others were lost in flight before causing any harm. The attacks targeted multiple regions, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Residential buildings and critical infrastructure were among the sites hit, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of these strikes.
The weekend’s violence follows a particularly bloody Friday night, during which Russia launched 145 drones and three missiles into Ukraine. Ukrainian forces successfully downed 79 drones, with 54 others failing to reach their targets. However, the relentless barrage of attacks has taken a heavy toll on civilians. On Saturday, Ukraine reported that at least 24 people had been killed in drone strikes across the Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Odesa regions. Among the hardest-hit areas was the town of Dobropillia in Donetsk, where residential buildings and a shopping center were struck by ballistic missiles and drones.
Ukraine Fights Back, Targeting Russian Territory
Despite the intense bombardment, Ukraine has continued to strike back at Russia. On Saturday night, Ukrainian forces launched their own long-range attacks into Russian territory. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, 88 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over eight Russian regions. The retaliatory strikes have prompted Russia’s federal air transport agency to impose temporary operational restrictions at airports in Astrakhan, Kazan, and Nizhny Novgorod. These measures highlight the growing reach of Ukraine’s military capabilities and the escalating nature of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been vocal in his response to the attacks, emphasizing the failure of Western sanctions to fully curtail Russia’s ability to wage war. In a Sunday morning social media post, Zelenskyy pointed out that each Russian drone and aerial bomb contains thousands of foreign components, many of which are procured in violation of sanctions. “Every Shahed, every aerial bomb used by Russia includes components supplied in circumvention of sanctions,” he wrote. “These weapons contain more than 82,000 foreign components.” Zelenskyy called for increased international support, including the supply of air defense systems, investments in Ukraine’s defense production, and the strengthening of sanctions against Russia.
International Outrage Grows as Civilians Bear the Brunt
The weekend’s attacks have drawn fierce condemnation from Ukraine’s European allies, who have demanded tougher action against Russia. Polish President Donald Tusk criticized the attacks as a direct consequence of appeasement, writing on social media, “This is what happens when someone appeases barbarians. More bombs, more aggression, more victims. Another tragic night in Ukraine.” Similarly, the European Union’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, condemned the relentless bombardment, stating, “Russian missiles keep relentlessly falling on Ukraine, bringing more death and more destruction. Once again, Putin shows he has no interest in peace.”
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, has expressed his deep condolences to the victims of the strikes, while reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to protecting its people and pursuing peace. “Of course, we are doing our utmost to protect lives,” he wrote in a social media post. “I am grateful to all the leaders, all those diplomats of our partner countries, all public figures who support Ukraine, who have condemned these Russian strikes and who call all things by their proper names.” He emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts with international partners to ensure effective defense and bring peace closer.
U.S. Policy Shift Complicates Ukraine’s Plight
The latest escalation in Russian attacks coincides with a significant shift in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump. Trump recently decided to pause all military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a move widely seen as an attempt to pressure Kyiv into negotiating with Moscow. Trump has repeatedly framed Ukraine as the obstacle to peace, despite Russia’s ongoing aggression. His comments have sparked concern among Ukrainian and European leaders, who fear that the U.S. may be aligning itself with Russian narratives about the war.
The pause in U.S. military aid has left Ukraine vulnerable at a critical moment in the conflict. Ukrainian officials are now pressing for a resumption of assistance, arguing that continued support is essential to defending against Russian aggression. The situation took a further turn when Trump described Russia’s bombardment of Ukraine as a sign that Putin is seeking to end the war. “I actually think he’s doing what anybody else would do … I think he wants to get it stopped and settled,” Trump said. His remarks have been widely criticized, as they appear to downplay Russia’s responsibility for the conflict.
A Path Forward: Diplomacy and International Unity
Despite the challenges, there are signs of renewed diplomatic efforts. Ukrainian and American officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia next week for discussions on ending the war. The U.S. delegation, led by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will likely focus on strategies to support Ukraine while encouraging a negotiated settlement. These talks come at a critical juncture, as the international community seeks to find a way to bring peace to the region without compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of international unity in the face of aggression. As the world watches, the people of Ukraine continue to endure unimaginable suffering, their resilience tested by each new wave of attacks. For peace to prevail, it will require not only military strength but also unwavering diplomacy and a collective commitment to justice.
