In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukraine has reported that Russia launched its largest drone attack since the onset of the full-scale invasion. This unprecedented assault targeted several key regions, including the capital city of Kyiv, resulting in the tragic death of one woman. By 08:00 Sunday (05:00 GMT), Russian forces had deployed a staggering total of 273 drones, focusing on the central Kyiv region as well as the eastern regions of Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk, according to statements from Ukraine's air force.
This barrage of drone strikes comes just a day before a highly anticipated call between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has been actively advocating for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. The backdrop of this conflict has been further complicated by the recent face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials, which took place in Turkey on Friday, marking their first direct discussions in over three years. However, these negotiations yielded minimal results, primarily resulting in a new prisoner swap agreement.
On Sunday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that he would be convening a virtual meeting with leaders from Britain, France, and Poland prior to Trump's conversation with Putin on Monday morning. This international dialogue underscores the global concern regarding the escalation of violence in Ukraine.
Ukraine's air force reported that the recent strikes included a record number of drones, notably the Shahed attack drones. Of the total drones launched, 88 were intercepted successfully, while another 128 drones veered off course without causing any damage. Unfortunately, the strikes did result in one fatality on the outskirts of Kyiv and left at least three individuals injured, according to local officials.
Ukrainian officials have expressed that the drone strikes from Saturday night are indicative of Russia's refusal to halt its military operations, even in the face of mounting international pressure for a ceasefire. Andriy Yermak, a senior aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, asserted that the recent negotiations in Istanbul were merely a façade, claiming, "Putin wants war."
Amid the ongoing conflict, President Zelensky attended a private meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican on Sunday, following the new pontiff's inauguration mass. During his visit to Rome, he also had a brief encounter with US Vice President JD Vance, highlighting the continued diplomatic efforts surrounding the crisis in Ukraine.
