Russia launched a major drone assault on Ukraine, marking its largest single-drone attack since the full-scale invasion began back in February 2022. On Sunday, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that 273 explosive drones and decoys were deployed, targeting regions including Kiev, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk. Of these, 88 drones were intercepted and 128 were reported lost or possibly jammed electronically.
Interestingly, this attack coincided with former President Donald Trump announcing a planned phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday. Trump’s communication would focus on halting the ongoing conflict, which has reportedly claimed the lives of over 5,000 soldiers from both Russia and Ukraine. He noted, perhaps optimistically, that this call could lead to productive discussions with both President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and NATO leaders.
“Let’s hope today brings a ceasefire,” Trump expressed in a post, stressing the urgency for peace in what he described as a tragic war that shouldn’t have occurred.
The recent drone assault indicates a significant escalation, surpassing Russia’s prior drone attack just before the war’s third anniversary when 267 drones were launched. Tragically, the drone strikes on Sunday resulted in the death of Kiev Regional Governor Mykola Kalashnyk and injuries to three others, including a young child.
During the same period, U.S. political figures like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in peace talks with Zelensky in Rome. Their discussions included topics such as previous negotiations in Istanbul, where Russia had sent a lower-level delegation. Both sides reaffirmed their interest in genuine diplomacy and exchanged views on bilateral trade and defense cooperation, recognizing the need for consistent pressure on Russia to resolve the conflict.
Meanwhile, world leaders were gathered in Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass at the Vatican, which Zelensky also attended, highlighting the ongoing global interest in the situation.
