Russia's Largest Drone Assault Targeting Ukrainian Cities Since Invasion

In an unprecedented surge of violence, Ukraine has accused Russia of launching its most significant drone offensive since the onset of the invasion, marking an alarming escalation in the conflict.

Ukraine's airforce claimed on Sunday that Russia executed a staggering drone assault, deploying 273 drones aimed at multiple regions, including the capital, Kyiv. This recent offensive resulted in the death of one woman and left at least three others injured. The strikes underscore the ongoing severity of the conflict, occurring just a day before a pivotal call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Trump has been advocating for a ceasefire.

This latest drone barrage has surpassed Russia’s previous record, which occurred on the anniversary of the widespread invasion on February 23, when 267 drones were deployed. The attacks predominantly used Shahed drones, with reports indicating that Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 88 while another 128 were lost without inflicting damage.

Ukrainian leaders reacted strongly, arguing that Russia’s recent military actions illustrate a blatant disregard for peace talks. "For Russia, the negotiations in Istanbul are just a pretence. Putin wants war," asserted Andriy Yermak, a senior advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The air force's reports, which highlight the scale of the aerial assault, reflect an ongoing commitment from Russia to escalate their military operations amid international calls for diplomacy.

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy was attending the inauguration of Pope Leo in Rome and had a private meeting with him following the mass. He also met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, highlighting the international dimension of the ongoing crisis. With tensions high and diplomatic efforts ongoing, the situation in Ukraine remains precarious.