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Russia Conducts Unprecedented Drone Assault on Kyiv Region Following Failed Peace Talks

Sunday 18 May 2025 - 13:36
Russia Conducts Unprecedented Drone Assault on Kyiv Region Following Failed Peace Talks
By: Zahouani Ilham
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Russia launched a large-scale overnight drone strike targeting the Kyiv area, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to at least three others, including a child, Ukrainian officials reported early Sunday. This surge in attacks follows the unsuccessful peace negotiations held two days earlier between Russian and Ukrainian officials, the first direct talks in over three years.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia deployed 273 Shahed drones alongside various imitator drones, managing to destroy 88 and noting that 128 drones missed their targets without causing damage. Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko described the attack as a "record" drone offensive, accusing Russia of deliberately targeting civilians.

In response, the Russian military claimed it intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones overnight and on Sunday morning. In a televised interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Moscow’s goal of resolving the conflict by addressing its root causes, ensuring lasting peace, and safeguarding Russia’s security. He asserted that Russian forces occupying approximately 20% of Ukraine were equipped and prepared to achieve these objectives.

The recent talks in Turkey resulted in an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners on each side, with Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, signaling that a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would be the logical next step. However, the Kremlin stated that completing the prisoner swap and clarifying ceasefire terms were prerequisites for further negotiations.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to speak with Putin by phone, reiterating his prior claims that he could end the war quickly. Ukrainian officials strongly condemned the drone attacks, with Zelensky’s chief aide Andriy Yermak accusing Putin of using the Istanbul negotiations merely as a cover for continuing the war.

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