Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a large-scale drone attack overnight, claiming that more than 300 drones were fired at multiple targets across the country. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, 91 of those drones targeted the Moscow region alone.
Officials reported that at least two people were killed and several others injured during the attack. Explosions were heard in several areas, and airports near the capital were forced to delay or cancel flights due to safety concerns.
While Ukraine has not publicly claimed responsibility for the strike, the timing of the attack raises questions, as it came just hours before a high-stakes diplomatic meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The U.S.-Ukraine meeting in Jeddah began behind closed doors at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, where senior officials from both sides gathered to discuss the next steps toward ending the war.
On one side of the negotiation table sat representatives from the U.S. government, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Congressman Michael Waltz. Across from them was the Ukrainian delegation, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.
So far, both sides have described the atmosphere of the meeting as cautiously positive, despite recent tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Secretary Rubio emphasized that the U.S. was in “listening mode” and wanted to understand what concessions Ukraine might be willing to consider in order to achieve a peace deal.
Background of the Tensions
The Jeddah talks come less than two weeks after a difficult meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy at the White House. Sources familiar with that discussion described it as strained and unproductive, leading to a pause in U.S. military and intelligence aid to Ukraine.
Since then, White House officials have made it clear that restoring that support would depend on Ukraine providing “concrete deliverables” during peace discussions. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz also echoed the sentiment, stating the U.S. is looking for specific actions from Ukraine to move forward.
According to officials, the Biden administration wants Ukraine to outline what it is willing to concede in order to open serious dialogue with Russia.
Ukraine’s Drone Strategy Raises Pressure
While Ukraine has remained silent on the drone operation, analysts suggest the attack could be a strategic move to demonstrate its long-range strike capabilities just before the peace talks.
The drones, believed to be domestically developed, were launched from far beyond Russia’s border. Their effectiveness in hitting military targets, infrastructure, and even the capital highlights a growing threat that Ukraine can pose deep inside Russian territory.
Drone strikes that reach as far as Moscow are rare. This is only the second time such a deadly incident has occurred in the capital since the war began. The previous one was in September of last year.
The sheer scale of the latest strike, combined with its symbolic timing, could serve as a message to both Russia and the U.S. about Ukraine’s evolving military capabilities.
More Lives Lost as War Grinds On
While the drone strike shook Russia, Ukraine has also faced heavy losses in recent days. According to reports, more than 30 Ukrainian civilians have been killed in various Russian attacks since last Friday.
The conflict continues to claim lives on both sides, and civilians often bear the brunt of the violence. Air raid sirens, destroyed infrastructure, and frequent evacuations have become part of daily life in parts of Ukraine.
As the war enters a critical phase, both military and diplomatic efforts are intensifying. The drone attack and the Saudi Arabia talks may mark a turning point in how each side approaches the possibility of peace.
The Jeddah Talks: What’s at Stake?
The talks in Saudi Arabia are seen as an attempt to restart the peace process, which has stalled for months. The U.S. delegation reportedly wants Ukraine to outline a clear set of proposals that could serve as a basis for negotiating with Russia.
While the Ukrainian side has not revealed any specific offers or plans, Yermak did say that Kyiv is “very open” to having deep and constructive conversations with its American allies.
The U.S. has not publicly outlined what concessions it expects from Russia, but restarting military support for Ukraine seems to depend on the outcome of this meeting.
U.S. Diplomat Set to Visit Russia
As the Jeddah talks proceed, sources say Steve Whitcomb, a key U.S. envoy for Middle East affairs, is expected to visit Russia later this week. Although it is unclear whom he will meet, some believe he could hold discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin or other top officials.
This potential visit highlights the increasing involvement of international powers in trying to mediate the conflict. Whether this will lead to any real progress remains to be seen.
Rebuilding a Fragile Relationship
The White House has been working behind the scenes to repair its strained relationship with Ukraine. President Trump has repeatedly voiced frustration over what he sees as a lack of appreciation from Zelenskyy, despite the billions in military and financial support the U.S. has provided since the war began.
Last week, Zelenskyy sent a letter outlining Ukraine’s position and goals. While it was seen as a step in the right direction, officials say President Trump is still skeptical about Ukraine’s approach to diplomacy and military aid.
As one official put it, "there's still a long way to go" in rebuilding trust between the two leaders.
Looking Ahead
The current moment marks a critical juncture in the war. On one hand, Ukraine is showcasing its military strength with bold strikes deep inside Russian territory. On the other, the U.S. is pushing for a renewed diplomatic path toward peace.
The coming days could prove vital in determining whether the war continues at full intensity or shifts toward a new phase of negotiations.
For now, all eyes are on the talks in Saudi Arabia, where the future of U.S.-Ukraine cooperation...and possibly the broader conflict...could be decided.
Keywords: Ukraine Russia war, drone strike Moscow, US Ukraine talks, Saudi Arabia peace talks, latest Ukraine news, breaking news Russia, Ukraine drone attack, diplomacy update