Russia Launches Largest Drone Attack on Ukraine Since War Began 3 Years Ago

Only a sense of complete impunity can allow Russia to carry out such attacks and continually escalate their scale. There is no significant military logic to this, but there is considerable political meaning.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as quoted by AP, after Russia launched a drone and missile attack over the weekend, killing at least a dozen people, according to Ukrainian officials. Russia called it “a retaliatory strike” for recent attacks on Russian territory.

Why It Matters: According to Ukraine, Russia launched more than 350 explosive droves and nine cruise missiles, marking the largest attack since the Russia-Ukraine war began three years ago. Russia reports shooting down over 100 drones sent by Ukraine. The altercation comes amid dwindling ceasefire talks and less than a week after a two-hour phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

• President Trump commented on the attacks via Truth Social, saying, “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever.”
• On Monday, Germany and other Ukrainian allies reemphasized the lifted restrictions that allow Kyiv to fire long-range missiles into Russia.
• The escalation prompted European countries to also threaten increased sanctions on Russia. The European Union passed a 17th package of sanctions on Russia earlier this month.
• This same weekend Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners, including soldiers and civilians, with each side releasing more than 1,000 prisoners.

Read More: Ukraine says Russia launched its biggest drone attack yet, part of an escalating campaign (The Associated Press)