Moscow Faces Major Drone Attack Ahead of US-Ukraine Ceasefire Talks
Russia has downed 337 Ukrainian drones amidst a significant drone attack on Moscow, leading to two fatalities. The incident coincides with U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire talks, where concessions and security guarantees are critical topics. Ukraine plans to propose a monitored partial ceasefire, while U.S. officials discuss the importance of a minerals deal, as military engagements continue.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported the downing of 337 Ukrainian drones overnight, marking Kyiv’s most extensive aerial attack on Russian territory since 2022. The attacks targeted ten regions, with Moscow’s air defenses shooting down 91 drones. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the incident as a “massive” drone offense, resulting in at least two fatalities and injuries to eight civilians, alongside damage to residential and commercial properties.
As a result of the attacks, all four airports in Moscow temporarily halted flights, with operations also suspended in the Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod regions. The Ukrainian military remained silent on the drone strikes, which coincided with upcoming ceasefire negotiations set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, involving U.S. and Ukrainian officials.
President Trump’s administration is advocating for Kyiv to concede to some demands to facilitate a peace agreement with Russia. The White House insists on negotiations that would include a minerals sharing deal framed as a method to recover U.S. aid sent to Ukraine since the conflict began. Ukraine, however, maintains that no agreement is acceptable without security guarantees to deter future aggression from Russia.
Trump has characterized both Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as obstacles to achieving peace, promoting false narratives surrounding the conflict, and attempting to undermine Zelenskyy’s credibility. Furthermore, the U.S. has used a reduction in military aid and intelligence sharing as leverage to encourage Ukraine’s participation in negotiations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked on the need for mutual concessions from both sides during the negotiations. Russian concessions were not detailed by U.S. officials ahead of the talks. Last month, U.S. and Russian talks were conducted in Riyadh, and Zelenskyy had a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss peace strategies specific to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy referenced their discussions on critical issues such as the release of prisoners and child repatriation as stepping stones towards building trust and achieving lasting peace. He expressed aspiration for practical results from future meetings, confirming a delegation would work with the U.S. team on ceasefire discussions.
Ukraine plans to propose a monitored partial ceasefire specifically for long-range air strikes and maritime attacks, though the proposal’s timeline remains unspecified. Rubio acknowledged the partial ceasefire as a potentially essential concession required to address the ongoing conflict but clarified that other key topics, including mineral deals, remain a priority, albeit not urgent for immediate resolution.
Simultaneously, drone and missile exchanges are set to persist, as Ukraine’s air force reported interception of one missile and 126 drones targeting its territory. The military successfully downed a significant number of these aerial threats across various regions.
In summary, a significant drone attack on Moscow marks a pivotal development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The incident coincided with crucial ceasefire negotiations mediated by the United States, where Ukraine’s insistence on security guarantees will likely play a decisive role in any potential agreement. The discussions highlight complex diplomatic dynamics, with both sides facing pressure to make concessions in pursuit of peace amidst continued military engagements.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
