Ukraine Fires Hundreds of Drones at Russia Amid Tense Ceasefire Talks
Russia's defense ministry claims to have destroyed nearly 350 Ukrainian drones overnight, as both sides continue to exchange offers for a temporary truce.
MOSCOW: Russia’s defense ministry stated on Thursday that its forces had successfully destroyed almost 350 Ukrainian drones during the preceding night.
This significant development comes in the wake of Moscow's upcoming World War II commemorations and amid ongoing discussions regarding a possible ceasefire between the two nations.
The announcement by Kyiv for an unconditional truce on May 6 was met with disregard from Moscow, as Russian forces continued their military operations throughout the day and into the night.
This decision by Ukraine followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's call for a temporary halt in hostilities to encompass May 9, which marks Russia’s Victory Day over Nazi Germany during World War II and features a major military parade on Red Square.
According to the Russian defense ministry, nearly 347 Ukrainian drones were targeted and destroyed between 6:00 PM GMT and 12:00 AM GMT.
In response to these strikes, Governor of the Belgorod border region reported one casualty and thirteen injuries in Bryansk region, which also shares a border with Ukraine.
Additionally, Russia launched 102 drones toward Ukraine during the same period, as per Kyiv’s air force statement.
In reaction to these events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia for its refusal to observe a ceasefire and left open the possibility of launching significant strikes on Russian territory during Saturday’s Victory Day celebrations.
Recent weeks have seen an escalation in Kyiv's attacks targeting Russian energy infrastructure, while Moscow has responded with barrages that have resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians in recent days—marking one of the deadliest periods for civilians in several weeks.
In anticipation of potential Ukrainian aggression during the Victory Day events, Moscow issued a threat on Wednesday evening of launching a substantial counterstrike against Kyiv's city center.
It also notified foreign embassies in Ukraine, advising them to evacuate their staff due to potential hostilities.
This significant development comes in the wake of Moscow's upcoming World War II commemorations and amid ongoing discussions regarding a possible ceasefire between the two nations.
The announcement by Kyiv for an unconditional truce on May 6 was met with disregard from Moscow, as Russian forces continued their military operations throughout the day and into the night.
This decision by Ukraine followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's call for a temporary halt in hostilities to encompass May 9, which marks Russia’s Victory Day over Nazi Germany during World War II and features a major military parade on Red Square.
According to the Russian defense ministry, nearly 347 Ukrainian drones were targeted and destroyed between 6:00 PM GMT and 12:00 AM GMT.
In response to these strikes, Governor of the Belgorod border region reported one casualty and thirteen injuries in Bryansk region, which also shares a border with Ukraine.
Additionally, Russia launched 102 drones toward Ukraine during the same period, as per Kyiv’s air force statement.
In reaction to these events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia for its refusal to observe a ceasefire and left open the possibility of launching significant strikes on Russian territory during Saturday’s Victory Day celebrations.
Recent weeks have seen an escalation in Kyiv's attacks targeting Russian energy infrastructure, while Moscow has responded with barrages that have resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians in recent days—marking one of the deadliest periods for civilians in several weeks.
In anticipation of potential Ukrainian aggression during the Victory Day events, Moscow issued a threat on Wednesday evening of launching a substantial counterstrike against Kyiv's city center.
It also notified foreign embassies in Ukraine, advising them to evacuate their staff due to potential hostilities.
