Russia and Ukraine Conduct Largest Drone Attacks Since War Began
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia and Ukraine have launched their most extensive drone attacks against each other to date. Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting 84 Ukrainian drones across six regions, with some approaching Moscow and causing disruptions to flight operations at three major airports.
Ukraine’s air force countered by stating that Russia launched 145 drones across the country on Saturday night, with most being successfully shot down. The attack on Moscow was described as Ukraine’s largest and most massive strike on the capital since the war began.
In the Ramenskoye district southwest of Moscow, five people were injured, and four houses caught fire due to falling debris. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported shooting down 34 drones over the town. This follows previous drone incidents in the area, including a fatal attack in September and earlier strikes near the Kremlin and Moscow City business district.
In Ukraine, at least two people were injured after a drone hit the Odesa region, with images showing flames and damage to buildings. The Ukrainian air force claimed to have shot down 62 of Russia’s Iranian-made drones, with 67 additional drones “lost” and 10 returning to Russia, Belarus, and Moldova.
The drone attacks coincide with significant developments on the ground. Russian troops reportedly made their largest territorial gains in October since March 2022. However, UK’s chief of defence staff, Sir Tony Radakin, stated that Russia suffered its worst month for casualties since the war began, with an average of about 1,500 dead and injured daily in October.
The conflict has also been overshadowed by speculation about US president-elect Donald Trump’s potential approach to the war. Trump previously claimed he could end the conflict “in a day” but has not provided specific details. A former Trump adviser suggested the incoming administration would focus on achieving peace rather than helping Ukraine reclaim territory, though Trump’s team quickly distanced themselves from these remarks.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted “positive” signals from the incoming US administration, claiming Trump spoke about wanting peace during his campaign. Trump has spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since his election win, with the conversation lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Zelensky remains firm in his stance, warning against conceding land to Russia and emphasizing that Ukraine would lose the war without US aid. The ongoing drone attacks and territorial struggles continue to underscore the intense and complex nature of the conflict, with international attention focused on potential diplomatic resolutions.
