Russia Launches Largest Drone Attack on Ukraine

Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Russia-Ukraine war

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Image Source: Shandyba Mykyta

Massive Drone Strike Hits Ukraine

Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine on Saturday night, with a record 267 drones deployed in the synchronized attack. Ukrainian officials reported that 138 drones were downed and 119 were jammed and lost. While Ukraine attempted to repel the attack, several of the strikes caused damage and fires in multiple regions. The attack occurred just days ahead of the third anniversary of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine and marks an escalation in air warfare.

Casualties and Damage Reported

The drone strikes caused casualties and widespread damage. Ukraine's emergency services said two people, including a mother of twins, were killed in Kherson, and a man was killed in Kryvyi Rih. A few others were injured, like a 53 year old woman in Zaporizhzhia. Fires broke out in the capital city, Kyiv, and in the other targeted regions, including Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, and Odesa. Ukraine's air force also reported that Russia launched three ballistic missiles overnight, further intensifying the war.

International Reactions and Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, urging international unity to restore peace to Ukraine. He stated that Russia launched nearly 1,150 attack drones and over 1,400 guided bombs in a week. With diplomatic efforts at ending the war stalled, tensions remain high. The US and Russia held initial talks in Saudi Arabia without the representation of Ukraine or Europe, which Zelensky criticized. The European leaders were quick to respond with a summit in Paris, highlighting the ongoing political divide on how to conclude the war.

Global Concerns and Future Outlook

The international community has had serious concerns about the war's continuation. Pope Francis described the third anniversary of the war as a "painful and shameful moment for humanity." With the deteriorating situation, world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, are scheduled to visit Washington to discuss Ukraine's sovereignty and security. With the war entering its third year now, the international community's interest is in seeing a lasting and equitable solution to the ongoing crisis.