Kyiv officials reported on Wednesday that the Russian armed forces conducted their most extensive missile and drone assault since the escalation of hostilities began in February 2022, primarily focusing on the western regions of Ukraine.

According to Ukraine’s air force, the overnight attack involved 728 drones and 13 missiles, with air defense systems reportedly intercepting 711 drones and destroying at least seven missiles.

“This attack is significant, occurring at a time when there have been numerous attempts to secure peace and establish a ceasefire, yet Russia remains unyielding,” commented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on X.

He urged Ukraine’s Western allies to intensify sanctions against Russia, particularly on its energy sector, which serves as a crucial source of revenue for the Russian government.

“Our partners are capable of applying pressure in a manner that could compel Russia to reconsider its stance on the conflict rather than continuing to launch new attacks,” Zelensky added.

Ihor Polishchuk, the mayor of Lutsk in the west, reported that fires erupted at a “facility,” but confirmed that there were no reported fatalities or injuries.

Later, Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that it carried out “long-range” and “precision” strikes on Ukraine in the early hours of Tuesday, aimed at military airfield infrastructure, claiming that “all targeted sites were successfully hit.”

This latest aerial strike surpassed a previously set Russian record of 550 drones and missiles earlier this month.

The timing of the assault was notable, coinciding with the U.S. decision to reverse its previous reduction of arms supplies to Ukraine.

“It is quite significant that this attack took place just as the United States made its commitment to provide us with military support public,” remarked Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to the Ukrainian president, on social media.