Ukraine has reported a record drone assault from Russia, numbering 273 drones unleashed on multiple regions, including Kyiv, resulting in at least one death and injuries to three others.
Russia Intensifies Drone Warfare: Largest Attack Yet Targets Kyiv and Surrounding Regions
Russia Intensifies Drone Warfare: Largest Attack Yet Targets Kyiv and Surrounding Regions
Russia's drone barrage marks a significant escalation in the conflict, claiming lives and igniting further international concern.
In a stark demonstration of escalating hostilities, Russia has executed its largest drone strike since the onset of the invasion, according to Ukrainian troops. The Central Kyiv region was one of the primary targets during this onslaught, which took place overnight and continued into Sunday morning.
As of 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT), Ukrainian air force officials confirmed that 273 drones were launched, emphasizing that the attack also affected the Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions in the east. Notably, this aggressive barrage unfolded just ahead of a scheduled dialogue between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid Trump's ongoing calls for a ceasefire.
Despite the urgency for peace, both countries hosted their first direct conversations in over three years last Friday in Turkey, which only resulted in a new prisoner exchange rather than substantial progress toward ending the conflict.
In anticipation of the forthcoming talks, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a virtual meeting with leaders of Britain, France, and Poland to discuss the ever-deepening conflict before Trump's conversation with Putin on Monday.
Ukrainian authorities reported that while 88 drones were successfully intercepted during the attack, another 128 lost their trajectory causing no damage. The strikes resulted in one fatality near Kyiv and left three individuals injured, highlighting the continued peril faced by civilians.
The unprecedented assault on Sunday surpassed the previous record of 267 drones deployed, which occurred on the anniversary of the war on February 23. After the drone strikes, Ukrainian officials expressed that the relentless attacks indicate Russia's disinterest in de-escalating tensions or seeking a genuine resolution to the ongoing conflict. "For Russia, the negotiations [in Istanbul] are just a pretence. Putin wants war," commented Andriy Yermak, a senior aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
As Zelensky met with Pope Leo at the Vatican following the pope’s inauguration, the grim realities of Ukraine's predicament underlined the ongoing struggles and the need for international solidarity amidst rising hostilities.
As of 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT), Ukrainian air force officials confirmed that 273 drones were launched, emphasizing that the attack also affected the Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions in the east. Notably, this aggressive barrage unfolded just ahead of a scheduled dialogue between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid Trump's ongoing calls for a ceasefire.
Despite the urgency for peace, both countries hosted their first direct conversations in over three years last Friday in Turkey, which only resulted in a new prisoner exchange rather than substantial progress toward ending the conflict.
In anticipation of the forthcoming talks, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a virtual meeting with leaders of Britain, France, and Poland to discuss the ever-deepening conflict before Trump's conversation with Putin on Monday.
Ukrainian authorities reported that while 88 drones were successfully intercepted during the attack, another 128 lost their trajectory causing no damage. The strikes resulted in one fatality near Kyiv and left three individuals injured, highlighting the continued peril faced by civilians.
The unprecedented assault on Sunday surpassed the previous record of 267 drones deployed, which occurred on the anniversary of the war on February 23. After the drone strikes, Ukrainian officials expressed that the relentless attacks indicate Russia's disinterest in de-escalating tensions or seeking a genuine resolution to the ongoing conflict. "For Russia, the negotiations [in Istanbul] are just a pretence. Putin wants war," commented Andriy Yermak, a senior aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
As Zelensky met with Pope Leo at the Vatican following the pope’s inauguration, the grim realities of Ukraine's predicament underlined the ongoing struggles and the need for international solidarity amidst rising hostilities.
