Kyiv: Russia has unleashed one of the largest aerial assaults since the beginning of this conflict by sending nearly 150 drones against Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian officials reported Sunday morning. This move coincides with former U.S. President Donald Trump voicing doubts over Vladimir Putin’s commitment to peacemaking efforts.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the barrage involved Iranian-made Shahed drones that attacked critical infrastructure and urban centers throughout Ukraine. Air raid sirens sounded in various regions such as Kyiv, Odesa, and Lviv; Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down many of them with rifle fire from both defenders as well as civilians; however some managed to avoid defenses, damaging power facilities while injuring at least 15 civilians.
“Russia’s use of such an extensive fleet of drones reflects both desperation and an intent to inflict maximum hardship on Ukraine’s civilian population,” according to Ukraine’s Air Force spokesperson. Emergency services worked tirelessly throughout the night in affected areas to extinguish fires and restore power.
The drone offensive comes at a politically tenuous time, when global leaders express increasingly skeptical assessments of Moscow’s intentions. After meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican, Donald Trump expressed serious doubts about Vladimir Putin’s desire for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
“Peace requires sincerity,” Trump was quoted as remarking in response to Putin’s actions at that moment in time, marking a notable shift from his previously more subdued criticism of him.
The White House also strongly condemned Russia’s recent attacks against Ukraine, calling them “cowardly acts” that target civilians and infrastructure critical to Ukraine’s survival during times of war.
Moscow officials justified Russia’s drone operations as necessary military measures intended to degrade Ukraine’s ability to continue fighting. But independent military analysts noted that their use may also serve to expand Ukraine’s air defense systems ahead of any ground offensives that may follow.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has renewed calls on its Western allies to expedite delivery of air defense systems and ammunition, in particular additional air defense systems for Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated in a video address that Ukraine will endure and fight back hard despite international support remains vital.
Russia’s military aggression and Donald Trump’s remarks have both contributed to increasing perceptions that any quick resolution to the conflict remains out of reach. Pressure continues to build from both sides as war drags into another year; yet any hope for peace appears more distant than ever.