Moscow targeted as Ukraine and Russia trade huge drone attacks

Ukraine and Russia have carried out their largest drone attacks to date in a sharp escalation of their ongoing conflict. The barrage of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) marks a significant uptick in hostilities, with both sides launching waves of drone strikes against each other’s territories. The exchange comes as international attention grows around the potential influence of the US president-elect, Donald Trump, on efforts to resolve the war.

Russia Intercepts Ukrainian Drones Near Moscow

Russia’s defense ministry reported that it successfully intercepted 84 Ukrainian drones across six of its regions, with several drones targeting Moscow itself. The attack prompted authorities to divert flights at three of Moscow’s major airports, disrupting air traffic as the drones neared the Russian capital. Russian officials claimed the majority of the drones were destroyed in mid-air, although falling debris caused damage and injuries in several areas. In the town of Ramenskoye, southwest of Moscow, five people were injured, and four homes were set ablaze due to debris from the intercepted drones. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, 34 drones were shot down in this area.

This marked the most significant Ukrainian attempt to strike Moscow since the start of the war. Russian authorities have previously experienced smaller-scale drone incidents, such as a woman’s death in a similar attack in September, and a number of drone strikes near the Kremlin and Moscow’s business districts in 2022.

Ukrainian Casualties and Damage from Russian Drones

In response, Ukraine reported its own casualties from Russian drone strikes. In the southern region of Odesa, at least two people were injured when a drone struck the area, igniting fires in multiple buildings. The Ukrainian air force said it had managed to shoot down 62 of the 145 drones launched by Russia, most of which were reportedly Iranian-made. Another 67 drones were lost during the attack, while 10 drones turned back towards Russian airspace, heading in the direction of Belarus and Moldova.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense confirmed that further strikes were launched overnight into Monday, with 13 additional Ukrainian drones destroyed near the Russian regions of Kursk and Belgorod.

Heavy Casualties in Mykolaiv as Russia Intensifies Attacks

The violence continued to escalate, with Russian airstrikes on Mykolaiv, southern Ukraine, killing at least five people. Residential buildings were destroyed in the attack, and a 45-year-old woman was reported injured. Regional officials in Mykolaiv confirmed the deadly assault and condemned the indiscriminate targeting of civilians.

Despite significant losses, Russia made territorial gains in Ukraine during October, with some analysts citing it as the largest Russian advancement since March 2022. However, the Institute for the Study of War cautioned that these territorial gains came at a heavy cost.

Ukraine’s Leadership Calls for Strength and Diplomacy

As the death toll rises on both sides, the conflict continues to deepen. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been vocal in his rejection of any ceasefire or territorial concessions to Russia, emphasizing that Ukraine will not surrender any land to the aggressor. In his evening address to the nation, Zelensky reiterated that a lasting peace could only be achieved through a combination of military strength and diplomatic efforts.

Speculation Surrounds US Policy Under Trump

Internationally, there has been increasing speculation about how Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, will approach the war. Trump, during his campaign, repeatedly stated that he could bring the conflict to an end “in a day,” though he has not clarified how he would accomplish such a feat. His victory has raised hopes among some that his administration could pressure both sides toward peace.

However, the incoming US administration’s stance on the war remains uncertain. Bryan Lanza, a former Trump advisor, suggested that Trump would focus more on peace talks than on enabling Ukraine to reclaim territory from Russia. In response, Trump’s spokesperson distanced the president-elect from Lanza’s comments, clarifying that Lanza “does not speak for him.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed hopes for a more favorable relationship with the US under Trump, pointing to the candidate’s campaign rhetoric, which emphasized the desire for peace over Russia’s defeat. Trump has already spoken with Zelensky following his election win, with reports indicating that their conversation lasted for about 30 minutes.

Challenges Ahead for Peace Talks

As tensions rise, many are questioning how peace can be achieved in the region. Zelensky has repeatedly warned that without continued US aid, Ukraine could face significant setbacks. He has stressed that Ukraine’s ability to repel Russian forces is heavily reliant on Western support.

With both sides entrenched in their positions, the international community remains focused on diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. However, with the exchange of massive drone attacks, the war shows no sign of abating anytime soon. As both Russia and Ukraine trade blows, the search for a peaceful resolution grows increasingly urgent.