Ukraine said Sunday that it had repelled the largest drone attack since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with 472 drones launched by Russian forces in a single night. The unprecedented aerial barrage came just ahead of the scheduled diplomatic talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, casting a shadow over hopes of any meaningful de-escalation.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia fired 472 drones and seven missiles overnight. Ukrainian air defenses successfully shot down 385 drones, but dozens are believed to have struck critical infrastructure, military targets, and urban areas, leaving damage and civilian injuries in multiple regions.
“This is the largest drone attack on Ukraine since February 2022,” said Colonel Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for Ukraine’s air force.
Meanwhile, Ukraine, too, launched its biggest-ever drone attack on Russia since the invasion, and reportedly damaged at least 40 Russian bombers and military aircraft. According to Reuters, which cited sources within the agency, the operation targeted multiple air bases near the frontlines.
The spectacular claim that Ukraine damaged $2 billion worth of Russian aircraft parked at airbases thousands of kilometres (miles) away came as Kyiv announced the Russian military strike killed at least 12 soldiers at an army training site, leading to the resignation of its ground forces commander.
Russia also said two bridges that collapsed in regions bordering Ukraine were brought down by explosions. Officials were treating them as "acts of terrorism" but had not immediately accused Ukraine.
The developments followed Russian ground advances in recent days in Ukraine's border Sumy region and both sides unleashing punishing aerial attacks on the other.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that he was sending a Ukrainian delegation to Istanbul led by his Defence Minister Rustem Umerov for the talks on Monday with Russian officials.
Turkey is hosting the meeting, which was spurred by US President Donald Trump's push for a quick deal to end the three-year war.
Zelensky, who previously voiced scepticism about the seriousness of the Russian side in proposing Monday's meeting, said he had defined the Ukrainian delegation's position going into it.
Priorities included "a complete and unconditional ceasefire" and the return of prisoners and abducted children, he said on social media.
Russia has said it has formulated its own peace terms but refused to divulge them in advance. Russian President Vladimir Putin ruled out a Turkish proposal for the meeting to be held at leaders' level.
Russian news agencies said the Russian delegation was headed to Istanbul on Sunday for the talks.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
