President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for urgent international intervention after a Russian drone attack in central Ukraine killed five people, including three members of a single family—a one-year-old baby among them. The overnight strike in Pryluky left homes ablaze and families shattered, with images showing firefighters working through the night to control the destruction.
The tragedy unfolded as a local firefighting chief, who had been responding to an earlier incident, saw his own home struck by a Russian drone. “His wife, daughter and one-year-old grandson were killed,” Zelensky confirmed, underscoring the personal and national anguish caused by the ongoing war.
Zelensky accused Russia of using the conflict to stall for time and continue its campaign of violence. He urged Western nations to impose “maximum sanctions” and intensify pressure on Moscow, warning that Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire only prolongs the suffering. “This is yet another reason to impose maximum sanctions and put pressure together. We expect action from the United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who can really help change these terrible circumstances,” he said.
The attack in Pryluky is part of a broader escalation, with Russia launching over 48,000 aerial attacks on Ukraine in the first half of 2025 alone. The relentless strikes have targeted cities with missiles and drones, causing widespread devastation and casualties.
Further violence was reported in Kharkiv, where another drone strike wounded 18 people, including several children. The ongoing conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and forced millions to flee their homes since the invasion began in February 2022.