Kyiv
In a dramatic escalation ahead of planned peace talks, Russia launched a record 472 drones at Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine’s air force. The barrage, the highest single-night drone attack since the beginning of the war, came just one day before Russian and Ukrainian delegations are expected to meet in Istanbul for discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
The Ukrainian air force confirmed in a statement on Sunday that out of the 472 drones launched, 382 were intercepted or neutralized by Ukrainian air defense systems. In addition to the drones, Russia also fired seven missiles, of which three were successfully intercepted.
“This was the largest drone attack in a single night since the start of the full-scale invasion,” the air force said, highlighting the increasing reliance on unmanned aerial systems in Russia’s strategy to wear down Ukrainian defenses and infrastructure.
Russia has intensified its nightly drone strikes in recent weeks, targeting military infrastructure, energy facilities, and urban centers. These frequent attacks are part of Moscow’s broader campaign to weaken Ukraine's resolve and resources as international attention remains focused on the planned Istanbul talks.
The renewed surge in hostilities comes at a delicate time, as both nations prepare for the first major round of direct negotiations in months. Ukraine is expected to present a comprehensive roadmap for peace, which sources say includes proposals on border security, prisoner exchanges, and humanitarian access.
Despite efforts to move toward diplomacy, the latest escalation suggests that both sides remain entrenched in a high-stakes confrontation, using military pressure to gain leverage at the negotiating table.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials praised the effectiveness of the country’s air defenses and reiterated the urgent need for continued international military support to counter the evolving threats posed by Russia’s drone warfare.
The global community is closely watching developments in both the battlefield and the diplomatic front, as hopes for a breakthrough remain uncertain.