Additional Coverage:
Moscow Reels from Largest Ukrainian Drone Attack
Moscow faced its most extensive drone assault since the war began, with Russia’s Defense Ministry claiming to have downed 343 Ukrainian drones overnight. The attack spanned ten regions, including a barrage on the capital that Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described as “massive.”
Air defenses were active throughout the night, intercepting 91 drones over Moscow. The Defense Ministry also reported downing six drones near the Kursk nuclear power plant, a region currently witnessing intense fighting.
The attacks resulted in at least two fatalities and twenty injuries, including three children, according to an aide to the head of the Russian Health Ministry. Governor Andrei Vorobyov reported damage to residential buildings, houses, and businesses, caused by drone strikes or falling debris. Flights were temporarily suspended at Moscow’s four airports, as well as airports in the Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod regions.
Russian officials strongly condemned the attacks. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova labeled the incident a “terrorist attack,” while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the situation.
Peskov suggested Ukraine intentionally targeted civilian infrastructure and expressed concern that the attacks could hinder potential peace talks. He confirmed that while there are currently no active negotiations, the U.S. is assessing Ukraine’s readiness for such talks.
The Ukrainian military has not issued a statement regarding the drone strikes.
This incident coincides with planned ceasefire talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration is urging Kyiv to make concessions for a peace agreement, including a controversial minerals sharing agreement. Ukraine, however, insists on concrete security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.
President Zelenskyy, who met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, emphasized the importance of prisoner releases and the return of Ukrainian children as confidence-building measures. He confirmed a Ukrainian delegation would remain in Saudi Arabia to engage with the U.S. team, advocating for a “constructive” approach in the upcoming talks. Zelenskyy hopes these talks will lead to “practical outcomes.”
A source close to Zelenskyy revealed Ukraine’s intention to propose a partial ceasefire, focusing on long-range air and sea attacks, the duration of which remains undefined. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism about the proposal, acknowledging it as a potential step towards resolving the conflict. While Rubio confirmed the minerals deal is a point of discussion, he stressed it’s not the primary focus.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting a ballistic missile and 79 out of 126 drones launched by Russia overnight. Several regions, including Donetsk, Odesa, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kyiv, were targeted.