Russia reported a significant Ukrainian drone attack on Tuesday night, hours before crucial talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials were set to begin. Moscow’s defense ministry claimed it had downed 337 drones, including 91 aimed at the Moscow region. If verified, this attack would be one of the largest aerial assaults on Russia since the invasion of Ukraine began.
The attack caused falling debris to damage buildings in Moscow. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the assault as the “most massive” attack in recent times. Russian officials reported one death and three injuries in the Moscow region, as confirmed by the state-run news agency TASS. Video footage geolocated by CNN showed an explosion at an apartment building in the southern part of Moscow.
Airports Closed, Flights Disrupted
The attack also led to the closure of two Moscow airports, as well as two airports located to the east of the city. Several flights to Moscow were redirected to alternative airports as a safety precaution.
Diplomatic Talks Set to Begin
The drone strike occurred ahead of high-stakes talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz were scheduled to meet with Ukraine’s National Security Adviser, Foreign Minister, and Defense Minister.
Ahead of the meeting, Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s Presidential Chief of Staff, stated on Telegram, “We will protect Ukrainian interests, have a clear vision of ending the war, and work effectively with our American partners.”
U.S. Expectations from Ukraine
In the lead-up to the talks, Rubio expressed that the U.S. wanted to hear what concessions Ukraine might be willing to make in negotiations to end the war with Russia. He indicated that the outcome of these discussions could influence whether the U.S. resumes providing military aid and full intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
Sources confirmed that the U.S. continues to share intelligence with Ukraine, particularly information that helps with defensive operations, though it has scaled back intelligence sharing that could assist in offensive actions against Russian forces.
Escalating Conflict and Tensions
The reported drone assault is the latest development in a backdrop of escalating conflict. In recent weeks, fighting on the ground has intensified, and tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine have been marked by a confrontation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office.
Russia, for its part, conducted a major aerial attack on Ukraine last weekend, killing over two dozen civilians. Another series of strikes from Sunday to Monday killed six more Ukrainian civilians. Ukraine’s influence in Russia’s Kursk region is rapidly diminishing, with Russian forces advancing on the region, leaving Kyiv’s territorial bargaining position at a critical juncture.
Comparing Attacks on Moscow
The Ukrainian assault on Moscow Tuesday appears to have been larger than a similar attack in November 2022. During that attack, Russia claimed to have downed 34 Ukrainian drones, resulting in one injury and forced airport closures. Previous drone attacks near Moscow in September 2022 had also led to casualties and disruptions.
As the conflict intensifies, the stakes remain high as U.S. and Ukrainian leaders prepare to discuss the war’s future and seek possible paths to a resolution.
