Kyiv, February 18 – At least one person was injured, and critical infrastructure was damaged in a series of overnight drone attacks across Ukraine, officials reported on Sunday. The strikes, which also ignited a fire in the southern city of Mykolaiv and damaged residential buildings in the Kyiv region, highlight the ongoing intensity of Russia’s aerial assault.
According to Ukraine’s military, Russia launched 143 drones, of which 95 were intercepted, while 46 failed to reach their targets, likely due to electronic countermeasures. The fire in Mykolaiv was swiftly contained, regional governor Vitaliy Kim confirmed via Telegram, though the precise infrastructure targeted remains unclear. The attack also caused damage to five apartment buildings and several commercial properties.
Meanwhile, in the Kyiv region, drone debris damaged multiple houses, though no casualties were reported, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service stated.
Zelensky Urges Western Support Amid Intensified Russian Strikes
As Russia’s full-scale invasion nears its third anniversary, President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his appeal to Western allies for enhanced air defense systems. He emphasized that Russia now occupies 20% of Ukraine and continues its gradual advance in the east.
Citing military data, Zelensky noted that over the past week alone, Russia has launched approximately 1,220 aerial bombs, over 850 drones, and more than 40 missiles at Ukrainian-controlled territories.
"Europe and the world must be better protected from such evil and prepared to confront it," Zelensky stated on Telegram. "This requires a strong, united foreign policy and pressure on [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, who started this war and is now expanding it globally."
Rising Geopolitical Tensions Over Ukraine Peace Talks
Amid escalating hostilities, geopolitical tensions surged after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called Putin without prior consultation with European allies or Kyiv, declaring an immediate start to peace talks.
Following the call, Trump’s Ukraine envoy stated that Europe would not have a seat at the table for upcoming peace negotiations. This move came after Washington sent a questionnaire to European capitals, inquiring about potential security guarantees for Kyiv.
Reacting to these developments, Zelensky called for the creation of a European army, arguing that the continent can no longer solely rely on U.S. protection.
"Europe will only gain respect from Washington with a strong military," Zelensky asserted, reinforcing his stance that Ukraine’s security must remain a collective priority for Western nations.
As the war persists, Ukraine continues to seek diplomatic and military support from its allies, stressing the urgent need for sustained international pressure on Russia.
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