Russia says it shot down almost 400 Ukrainian drones as Moscow, Kyiv escalate aerial barrages
Why it matters: The escalating drone war signals a dangerous new phase, with both sides demonstrating advanced capabilities and increased civilian impact.
- Russia's Defence Ministry reported shooting down 389 Ukrainian drones over 13 Russian regions and Crimea, the largest such attack since the 2022 invasion.
- Ukraine's domestically developed drones demonstrated growing long-range capabilities, reaching targets like the Leningrad region and the Ust-Luga port.
- Russia launched nearly 1,000 drones and 34 missiles at Ukrainian civilian areas, killing six and injuring 50, with UNESCO expressing alarm over a strike on a Lviv World Heritage site.
- The escalation in aerial attacks coincides with a pause in U.S.-mediated talks and Washington's focus on the Iran war, as Ukraine anticipates a Russian spring offensive.
- Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) reported stray drones and minor incidents, highlighting the proximity of the conflict, though officials stated they were not targets.
- Moldova urged energy conservation after Russian strikes on Ukraine's grid disrupted a key power line, illustrating broader regional impacts.
- India Today World noted Iran's review of a US proposal, hinting at broader geopolitical shifts that might divert US attention from the Ukraine conflict.
Russia claims to have intercepted a record 389 Ukrainian drones across 13 regions and Crimea, marking Ukraine's largest reported aerial assault since the 2022 invasion and showcasing its growing long-range drone capabilities. This unprecedented attack follows Russia's own massive barrage of nearly 1,000 drones and 34 missiles on Ukrainian civilian areas, which killed six and alarmed UNESCO by hitting a World Heritage site in Lviv.
