Ukraine launched its largest-ever drone attack against Russia overnight, striking multiple regions, including Moscow, just hours before the start of peace talks between Ukrainian and US officials in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Russia launched a major drone assault on Odesa, setting off large fires across the city.
According to Russian authorities, approximately 337 drones were fired into Russia, with nearly 100 targeting the capital. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least three workers at a meat warehouse in Moscow and injured 18 others.
The strikes briefly forced the shutdown of Moscow’s four major airports. While Ukraine has not officially confirmed the assault, Russia claimed it demonstrated Kyiv’s growing desperation amid battlefield setbacks.
Escalating Conflict on Both Fronts
The drone assault came as Russia intensified its own strikes. Overnight, Russian forces attacked Odesa using Shahed drones, causing large-scale fires in the city. According to Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper, the attack set ablaze a private residential house, a warehouse storing children’s toys, and a fuel storage facility.
Images released by Ukrainian authorities showed firefighters battling flames at multiple sites.
Emergency services reported that over 100 rescue workers, volunteers, National Guard troops, and local firefighters worked to contain the damage. Images released by Ukrainian authorities showed firefighters battling flames at multiple sites. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, there were no casualties reported in the Odesa attack.
In addition, Russian forces have intensified operations in the Kursk region. On Tuesday, Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed its forces had recaptured 100 square kilometres of territory in Kursk. “Units of the North group of forces liberated 12 settlements during the offensive… and more than 100 square kilometres of the territory of the Kursk region,” the ministry stated.
Ukraine is believed to have fired at least 126 drones into Kursk during the overnight attack, while 38 targeted Belgorod.
Footage from the affected areas showed residential buildings damaged, with shattered windows and doors. A car park owned by the Miratorg food company reportedly suffered extensive destruction, with at least 20 vehicles burned. A 38-year-old security guard was killed in Belgorod, according to Russian reports.
Peace Talks Amid Military Escalation
Despite intensified hostilities, diplomatic efforts persist. High-level discussions between the United States and Ukraine are underway today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, exploring potential avenues to end the war.
Ahead of the talks, Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed Kyiv’s willingness to pursue a peaceful resolution. “No one wants peace more than Ukrainians,” he told reporters. “Ukraine is ready to go for this goal because it’s what Ukrainians want the most after more than three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion.”
President Zelensky met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday to discuss the upcoming negotiations. The US is reportedly seeking clarity on whether Ukraine is open to concessions that could facilitate a diplomatic resolution.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Washington’s approach, stating, “What we want to know is, are they interested in entering some sort of peace conversation and general outlines of the kinds of things they could consider, recognising that it has been a costly and bloody war for the Ukrainians.”
Ukraine is looking to use the Jeddah talks as an opportunity to secure the resumption of military aid and intelligence-sharing, which was halted by US President Donald Trump last week.
International Security Talks
In a parallel diplomatic effort, defence ministers from at least 30 nations are set to meet in Paris to discuss the establishment of an international security force for Ukraine. The meeting underscores growing concerns over European security and Kyiv’s long-term ability to resist Russian advances.
Ahead of the Paris conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for increased military expenditure among EU nations.
“The time of illusions is now over. Europe is called to take greater charge of its own defence,” she told the European Parliament. “We need a surge in European defence, and we need it now.”
As the war enters its fourth year, the situation remains volatile. While diplomatic initiatives continue, the latest escalation suggests that a negotiated settlement remains elusive for now.
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