Russia and Ukraine have exchanged large waves of attack drones in the past 24 hours as they maneuver ahead of a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 100 drones into the country, with 70 shot down or otherwise suppressed.
The attacks were reported at airports in southwest Russia, including Vladikavkaz, Grozny, Saratov, and Kaluga, where temporary restrictions were introduced to prevent flights. One person was killed and several injured by a drone that fell near a residential building in Saratov, while an industrial facility was also damaged.
The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the attack on Saratov, saying it targeted an oil refinery involved in providing oil products to Russian occupation troops. Ukraine is ramping up its drone strikes, with Russia’s Defense Ministry reporting 1,117 drones downed so far this month, compared to 749 drones and 11 missiles faced by Kyiv.
The summit between Trump and Putin will take place as both sides maneuver on the diplomatic front. Ukrainian officials are pushing for a peace deal that includes Ukraine, while Putin is demanding concessions from Ukraine, including territory ceded to Russia and limits on its military capabilities.
European leaders have expressed support for Ukraine in any peace negotiations, with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signing a joint statement backing Kyiv’s sovereignty. The path to peace in Ukraine is expected to involve active diplomacy, support for Ukraine, and pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/russia-ukraine-exchange-drone-attacks-amid-peace-talks/story?id=124520013