KYIV, July 16 — In a chilling escalation, Russia launched a massive assault on Ukraine overnight, raining down more than 400 drones, artillery fire, and a ballistic missile on multiple regions, defying a stern warning from former U.S. President Donald Trump to seek peace.
For countless Ukrainian families, it was another night of fear. A woman lost her life, more than two dozen people were injured, and many were left without basic services like electricity and water. In Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky, a missile attack tore through infrastructure, leaving residents in darkness and despair.
Among the injured was a 17-year-old boy, now in critical condition. “He was wounded in the abdominal cavity… doctors are fighting for his life,” said Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul in an emotional update.
“This has never happened before,” he added. “A ballistic missile and 28 Shaheds simultaneously,” referring to the Iranian-designed drones used in the attack.
The overnight strikes marked one of the most intense assaults in recent weeks. In Vinnytsia, eight people were wounded as drones slammed into civilian areas. Kharkiv, in the northeast, saw three more injuries. Kryvyi Rih bore the brunt, with 15 people injured, an industrial building reduced to rubble, and vital services cut off.
The timing is notable. Just two days ago, Trump warned Russia that it had 50 days to agree to a peace settlement or face harsh new sanctions. But the Kremlin has remained defiant, escalating instead of retreating.
Direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have been stalled for over a month. While Moscow claims it’s open to more dialogue, its actions on the battlefield suggest otherwise. With the U.S. promising more air defense support through NATO, the conflict shows no signs of slowing.
As air raid sirens continue to wail across Ukraine and families huddle in shelters, one truth remains clear — peace is still heartbreakingly out of reach.
