Russia-Ukraine War: Russia launches its biggest drone attack yet on Ukraine, escalating air war

Russia carried out its largest drone assault on Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian officials said Monday, marking a sharp intensification of the air campaign that dims prospects for peace in the three-year conflict, AP reported.

On the third consecutive night of heavy bombardments, US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of having “gone crazy” by increasing attacks on Ukraine.

Escalation undermines peace efforts amid stalled ceasefire talks

The expanded Russian aerial offensive signals another blow to US-led attempts to broker peace, as Putin appears determined to seize more Ukrainian territory and inflict greater damage. This comes after Kyiv agreed to a US-proposed unconditional 30-day ceasefire in March, which Moscow effectively ignored.

So far this month, Russia has repeatedly broken its own records for the number of aerial bombardments launched against Ukraine.

Also Read: Trump slams Putin, Zelenskyy for escalating Russia-Ukraine war 

Massive drone swarm marks new phase in warfare

Sunday night’s attack involved 355 drones, the largest single drone assault of the war, according to Yuriy Ihnat, head of the Ukrainian air force communications department. The previous night, Russia fired 298 drones and 69 missiles, the largest combined aerial attack so far.

Over the three days from Friday to Sunday, Russia launched approximately 900 drones at Ukraine, officials said.

Russia claims counter-drone success amid flight disruptions

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported shooting down 103 Ukrainian drones flying over southern and western Russia, including near Moscow. The Federal Air Transport Agency said 32 flights to Moscow airports on Sunday and Monday were diverted due to Ukrainian drone attacks. Independent verification of these claims from both sides is unavailable.

Also Read: ‘Big egos involved’: Trump says Russia, Ukraine to begin ‘immediate’ ceasefire talks after calls with Putin, Zelenskyy 

Drones reshape the conflict’s battlefield

Since the invasion began in February 2022, the war has evolved into a testing ground for advanced drone warfare. Drones are more cost-effective than missiles, allowing both sides to conduct frequent aerial strikes.

Russia has been supplied with Iranian-made Shahed drones and is reportedly producing its own models. Ukraine, meanwhile, has received smaller tactical drones from allies and developed long-range drones capable of striking deep inside Russia.

Germany signals no restrictions on weapons for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Monday that Western allies, including Britain, France, Germany, and the US, no longer impose range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine.

“That means Ukraine can now defend itself by, for example, attacking military positions in Russia,” Merz said. “Until recently, it couldn’t… but it can now.”

(With inputs from AP)