UkrAAIN: President Zelensky Responds to Russia‘s New Year Drone Attack, One Casualty Reported
President Volodymyr Zelensky has broken his New Year silence to condemn Russia’s drone attack on Ukraine overnight, stating that the country’s aggression knows no boundaries, not even during the holiday season.
"Russia was only worried about one thing last night – how to hurt Ukraine," Zelensky said in a Telegram post. "111 strike drones against our cities. Most were stopped by our air defense, mobile fire groups, and electronic warfare systems. But sadly, there’s been one fatality, and others are injured and structures destroyed. Our services are all engaged."
The fatality was reported in Kyiv, where falling drone debris caused a fire and destroyed parts of a residential building in the city’s Pechersky district. A woman’s body was discovered under the rubble, and seven others were injured, as reported earlier by local media.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia employed 111 ‘Shahed’ drones and others of various types. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 63 drones, with another 46 failing to reach their targets.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to all servicemen and emergency workers, saying, "Those who serve, regardless of circumstances – our army, rescuers, emergency services, doctors – you are protecting Ukraine and Ukrainians every night and every day."
This attack comes just days after Ukraine vowed to step up its counteroffensive to reclaim occupied territories in 2025. It also underscores Russia’s unyielding strategy of targeting civilian areas, drawing international condemnation.
In response to the attack, Ukrainian authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines, while preparations continue to bolster the country’s air defense capabilities.
