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Russia Launches One of Year’s Largest Strikes on Western Ukraine, Hitting U.S.-Linked Factory

Kyiv is seeking firm security guarantees within days before potential leader-level talks.

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks in Lafayette Park, across from the White House, after meeting with President Donald Trump and European leaders Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington.

Overview

  • Ukraine said Russia fired 574 drones and 40 missiles overnight, with air defenses downing 546 drones and 31 missiles across multiple regions.
  • Officials reported at least one person killed in Lviv and at least 15 wounded in Mukachevo, where a major American electronics manufacturer’s facility was damaged.
  • NATO vigilance increased near the Romania border as two German Typhoons were scrambled to monitor the air situation, and Poland launched aircraft to protect its airspace; no violations were reported.
  • President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes, urged tougher sanctions and tariffs on Russia, and said Ukraine aims to define a security guarantees framework within 7–10 days ahead of possible direct or trilateral talks.
  • Russia’s Defense Ministry said it destroyed 49 Ukrainian drones and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov insisted Moscow must be part of any security arrangements, while the Kremlin rejects deliberate targeting of civilians.