Russia executed a massive aerial assault against Ukraine on the night of August 20-21, 2025, launching over 600 attack munitions including hundreds of drones and missiles in the largest strike of the war thus far this year. Ukrainian officials described it as a “massive combined air strike” targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas across the country.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces launched 574 drones and 40 missiles from multiple locations, spanning regions in western Russia and occupied Crimea. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted the majority 546 drones and 31 missiles but the attack still caused significant damage and casualties.
Among the targeted sites was a major U.S.-owned electronics manufacturing plant in Mukachevo, western Ukraine, which was hit by a cruise missile, resulting in a large fire and multiple injuries. The attack in this border region near Hungary and Slovakia underscored Russia’s aim to disrupt investments and cooperation between Ukraine and its Western allies.
Additional strikes hit 11 locations, affecting cities including Kyiv, Lviv, Lutsk, and parts of the Volyn, Rivne, and Zakarpattia regions. These attacks damaged civilian and energy infrastructure, leading to power outages and delays in rail services.
The scale and timing of this attack came shortly after diplomatic talks between Russia, the U.S., and others at the Alaska summit, suggesting Russia had been stockpiling munitions for a significant offensive. Ukrainian officials condemned the strikes, accusing Russia of showing no genuine interest in peace.
The air raid also prompted a swift NATO response, with Poland scrambling fighter jets to defend its airspace and allied aircraft operating along its borders as precautionary measures.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and international leaders reiterated calls for peace talks, though the recent attacks signal ongoing hostilities with little prospect for a ceasefire in the near term.