Zelenskyy asks Trump to send missiles after Russian strikes across Ukraine

What Happened

Russia launched a large-scale strike on Ukraine overnight, firing 73 missiles and 656 drones at five Ukrainian cities, according to the Ukrainian air force. The barrage included eight hypersonic Tsirkon missiles. At least 18 people were killed, dozens were injured, and others remain trapped under collapsed buildings. Following the attack, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly requested that US President Donald Trump send Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine to bolster its air defense capabilities against such strikes.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The scale of the Russian strike—73 missiles and 656 drones—represents one of the largest single barrages in the conflict and demonstrates Russia's continued capacity to conduct mass aerial attacks despite prior Ukrainian air defense successes. The use of eight hypersonic Tsirkon missiles, which are difficult to intercept, signals an escalation in the sophistication of Russian strikes. Zelenskyy's direct appeal to Trump for Patriot systems underscores Ukraine's urgent need for advanced air defense to protect civilian infrastructure and population centers, and it tests the Trump administration's willingness to sustain or expand military aid to Ukraine amid shifting US political dynamics.

Watch For

Monitor the Trump administration's response to Zelenskyy's Patriot missile request, including any public statements or policy decisions regarding additional air defense deliveries. Track whether Russia conducts follow-on large-scale strikes in the coming days, particularly the continued use of hypersonic Tsirkon missiles. Watch for casualty updates as rescue operations continue at collapsed buildings in the five targeted cities, and observe whether the strike prompts any shift in Western military aid commitments or accelerates delivery timelines for existing pledges.