Ukraine's President Zelenskyy accused the U.S. of emboldening Putin through its silence after Russia launched its largest air assault yet—a brutal barrage of nearly 300 drones and 70 missiles that killed at least 12 people. Putin, meanwhile, doubled down on his aggressive stance, vowing to carve out a "security buffer zone" along Ukraine’s border to shield Russian territory from attacks.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another escalation—it’s a grim signal that Putin feels unchecked. With Western support wavering and Russia upping the brutality, Ukraine’s plea for solidarity isn’t just about weapons; it’s about whether the world’s attention (and resolve) is fading when it’s needed most.

For the second night in a row, Russian drones targeted Kyiv and nearby areas, leaving at least 11 injured and three dead while damaging homes and infrastructure. Ukrainian officials warn that more attacks are likely, even as a large-scale prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia continues. The strikes mark another grim milestone in the ongoing war, now in its 1,187th day.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another headline—it's a stark reminder that the war in Ukraine remains relentless, with civilians paying the price. The repeated attacks on Kyiv, a city millions still call home, show Russia's willingness to escalate despite global outcry. Meanwhile, the prisoner swap hints at fragile, behind-the-scenes negotiations, but the violence overshadows any progress. For readers, it’s a sobering update: the conflict isn’t fading, and the human toll keeps climbing.