Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on Russia, deploying 337 aircraft in a single night on the eve of US-Ukraine talks, overwhelming Moscow's air defences. The attack, which targeted oil refineries and forced the closure of four Moscow airports, killed three people, according to Russian officials.
The tactics mirrored those used by Russia against Ukraine for three years: swarming. Ukraine sent waves of homegrown drones, including the Palianytsia 'missile-drone' with a 50kg warhead and 600km range, to distract and saturate Russian air defence systems. Unlike Russia's cheap Shahed drones, Ukraine's use advanced navigation and radar evasion technology.
The assault came as the US cut military and intelligence support for Kyiv, prompting Ukraine to demonstrate its independent strike capability. A senior Ukrainian UAV Force officer stated, 'We’re leading the world in some of this weapons technology and we just need a bit more time to get right ahead of the Russians.' Ukraine has ramped up production, aiming for 30,000 long-range drones and 3,000 ballistic missiles this year.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed defensive measures were taken in time, but the attack struck residential buildings in Moscow. Fourteen Ukrainians were killed in Russian strikes on the same day. Ukraine has proposed an air and naval ceasefire in peace talks, but the US has ruled out territorial concessions and continued military aid.
