‘117 proofs in our skies’ — Zelensky says overnight drone strike shows Moscow not ready for peace

A building on fire following a Russian drone attack against Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine, overnight on March 26, 2025. (Governor Serhii Lysak/Telegram)

| Published March 26, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of undermining peace efforts following a series of overnight drone strikes that targeted multiple regions across Ukraine. The attacks, which struck civilian infrastructure and residential areas, came shortly after a U.S.-brokered agreement intended to ease tensions and halt hostilities.

Zelensky did not mince words in his condemnation of Moscow’s actions, calling the strikes a “clear signal” that Russia is not genuinely interested in pursuing peace. “While diplomatic negotiations are ongoing, Russia continues to prove through its actions that it prefers destruction over dialogue,” Zelensky stated in a televised address.

The Drone Attacks and Their Impact

According to Ukrainian military reports, Russia launched 117 Iranian-made Shahed drones overnight, hitting strategic targets in Kryvyi Rih, Sumy, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. The strikes caused widespread damage, leaving homes destroyed, power infrastructure crippled, and several civilians injured.

These attacks followed what was supposed to be a breakthrough moment for diplomacy. Days earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement aimed at reducing hostilities in the Black Sea and halting strikes on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure.

However, Russia’s swift escalation after the announcement suggests otherwise, according to Zelensky. “Peace is not built on words alone. It requires action, and right now, Russia’s actions are showing the world what it truly wants—more war, not peace,” he said.

Warnings of Russian Influence

Beyond condemning the attacks, Zelensky expressed concern about potential Russian influence within the U.S. administration. He warned that misinformation may be affecting Western policy toward Ukraine, though he stopped short of offering specific evidence.

This warning comes amid growing anxiety in Kyiv about a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy. Some Ukrainian officials fear that diplomatic overtures to Russia could reduce military aid to Ukraine or weaken Western resolve in the face of continued Russian aggression.

International Reactions

Zelensky’s remarks are likely to intensify the already polarized debate surrounding U.S. involvement in the conflict. While some Western leaders have supported ongoing negotiations, others, including prominent figures within NATO, have called for greater military support to Ukraine and tougher sanctions against Russia.

The Kremlin, meanwhile, has dismissed Zelensky’s accusations, insisting that its military actions are defensive in nature. Russian officials have claimed that Ukraine’s refusal to recognize Russian sovereignty over occupied territories is the real obstacle to peace.

What’s Next for Ukraine?

As the war rages on, Ukraine faces mounting challenges on both the battlefield and the diplomatic front. The drone strikes underscore the difficulties of enforcing any peace deal while fighting continues.

Despite the bleak outlook, Zelensky has vowed to continue defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and seeking justice for those affected by Russian aggression. “Peace will come on Ukraine’s terms—not through appeasement, but through strength, resilience, and the unwavering support of our allies,” he said.

As tensions escalate, the path forward remains uncertain, with diplomacy and military strategy locked in a precarious balancing act. For Ukraine, the stakes have never been higher.