Russia launches file 273-drone assault on Ukraine forward of deliberate Trump-Putin name

Russia carried out its largest single drone assault for the reason that begin of its full-scale invasion, launching 273 drones in a single day on Might 18, Ukraine's Air Power reported.

The assault comes simply two days after Ukraine and Russia held their first direct peace talks since 2022, and sooner or later forward of a deliberate name between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kyiv Oblast Governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported that the assault killed one particular person and injured three others. Precise casualties from the assault are nonetheless being clarified, he stated.

Ukraine's Air Power stated it intercepted 88 drones, whereas 128 others vanished from radars, doubtless used as decoys to overwhelm air defenses. The air protection concerned the coordinated use of digital warfare items, cellular hearth groups, and anti-aircraft programs.

The earlier largest drone assault of the full-scale invasion occurred on Feb. 23, when 267 drones entered Ukrainian airspace, Air Power spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat stated on the time.

Regardless of rising worldwide strain for an unconditional ceasefire, Moscow has intensified its assaults, displaying ongoing resistance and distain to diplomatic efforts.

The Russian delegation on the Might 16 peace talks in Istanbul consisted solely of lower-ranking officers, regardless of the Kremlin proposing the discussions. President Volodymyr Zelensky had known as on Putin to attend personally, saying solely the Russian chief may authorize a ceasefire.

Russian negotiators reiterated sweeping calls for: that Ukraine abandon NATO aspirations, resign overseas navy assist, drop reparations claims, and settle for Russian management over Crimea and 4 occupied areas — calls for Kyiv has categorically rejected.

Trump has pushed to dealer a deal however has but to impose new sanctions on Moscow regardless of mounting frustration from U.S. allies over Russia's refusal to halt its assaults.

Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day unconditional truce in March. Russia has ignored the provide and continued focusing on Ukrainian cities with missiles, drones, and guided bombs.

How Russia’s Shahed drones are getting more dangerous — and what Ukraine is doing about itEditor’s note: Due to the security protocols of the unit featured in this story, the Ukrainian soldiers are identified by first name only. Russia’s air strikes on Ukraine have become far more deadly in recent months. Part of the uptick is due to limited air defense to bringThe Kyiv IndependentKollen Post