Russia and Ukraine exchanged deadly drone strikes as Zelenskyy prepares for intensive U.N. diplomacy.
KYIV
Russia and Ukraine traded deadly drone strikes on Monday, targeting civilian areas in both countries, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared for a “very intense week” of diplomacy at the U.N. General Assembly in New York. The Security Council is expected to discuss the ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year.
Zelenskyy has sought to advance a U.S.-backed peace initiative, proposing a ceasefire and a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Moscow has criticized some proposals, and a resolution to the bloodshed remains elusive. Over the past week, Russia launched more than 1,500 strike drones, 1,280 glide bombs, and 50 missiles against Ukraine, with Ukraine intercepting 132 of 141 drones overnight. In Zaporizhzhia, Russian airstrikes killed three civilians and injured two, targeting residential buildings, malls, and critical infrastructure.
Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes on Russian territory, including Crimea and Belgorod, killing several and wounding dozens, though Russian authorities reported no military targets were hit.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said Russia is testing NATO’s political and military response, aiming to weaken Western support for Ukraine. Despite denials from Moscow over airspace violations in Estonia, tensions in Europe are rising. Zelenskyy plans nearly two dozen meetings at the U.N., including with U.S. President Donald Trump, to build international resolve and push for stronger sanctions against Russia.
The escalating drone warfare and diplomatic efforts underscore the conflict’s widening regional impact and the urgent push for international intervention.