According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia has launched a total of 273 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) - a number that exceeded the record set in February this year.
Reuters reported that the attack destroyed many houses and killed at least one woman and injured three others, including a 4-year-old boy.
In the Obukhiv region, west of the capital Kiev, Natalia Piven, 44, recounted the moment she escaped death with her son when she managed to run down the tunnel after the airstrike alarm. Their house was completely destroyed.
I still cant believe it, I heard the UAVs fly straight to my house, she shared. Her 28-year-old neighbor was unfortunately killed in the second attack.
The airstrike comes just a day before US President Donald Trump was scheduled to discuss a ceasefire proposal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In that context, Ukrainian intelligence said Russia also planned to launch a transcontinental ballistic missile during the day, as a move to put pressure on the West. Moscow has not responded to the allegations.
Diplomatically, President Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to rectify relations with Washington after his February visit to the White House was ruled a failure.
On May 18, Mr. Zelensky met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on the sidelines of the coronation of Pope Leo. The meeting lasted about 40 minutes and was assessed by Mr. Zelensky as "good".
He affirmed that Ukraine is ready to participate in a real diplomatic dialogue and emphasized the need for a comprehensive, unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible.
On May 16, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in more than three years, as proposed by President Trump. The two sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners but could not reach a ceasefire, when Russia offered conditions that Ukraine called un acceptable.
The leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Poland are also planning to discuss with Trump ahead of a phone call with him and Putin on May 19. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US is ready to strengthen sanctions against Russia if Moscow does not negotiate goodwill.
Mr Zelensky has said he has accepted Mr Trump's proposal for an immediate 30-day unconditional ceasefire. However, Russia has demanded a precondition including stopping arms aid to Kiev, as well as renegotiating the roots of the conflict, such as demanding territory ceded to Ukraine, denying its armored vehicle and declaring neutral, which Kiev considers a surrender.
