Ukraine Strikes Moscow with Largest Drone Attack Amid Ongoing Conflict and Diplomatic Efforts

Massive Drone Attack on Moscow and Russian Regions

In the early hours of Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched what Russian authorities described as the largest drone attack ever on Moscow. According to Russia’s defense ministry, 337 drones were intercepted overnight, with 91 destroyed in the Moscow region. The attacks resulted in at least two fatalities, sparked fires, and disrupted air and rail travel. The assault targeted not only Moscow but also at least 10 other Russian regions, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Despite the attack, Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the incident.

Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin condemned the attack as the “largest” Ukrainian drone strike on the capital. This comes as Russia continues its own attacks on Ukraine, with Kyiv’s armed forces reporting the downing of 114 Russian drones early Tuesday. The timing of the attack coincided with a visit by a delegation from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), including its secretary general, Feridun Sinirlioglu. Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova noted that this is not the first time a high-ranking foreign delegation’s visit has been overshadowed by Ukrainian drone attacks.

Diplomatic Talks in Jeddah: A Glimmer of Hope Amid Conflict

Against this volatile backdrop, Ukrainian officials are set to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in a bid to repair strained ties with Washington. The talks come after a dramatic and public argument between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting at the Oval Office. Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the summit, stating, “We hope for practical outcomes,” and emphasizing Ukraine’s constructive approach to the negotiations.

In the run-up to the meeting, Zelenskyy also met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who is attempting to position Saudi Arabia as a key player in global diplomacy. Zelenskyy described their discussion as detailed and focused on steps to end the war and secure lasting peace. Rubio, however, expressed disbelief over the Oval Office altercation, calling it “surreal” but stressed the importance of moving forward. The meeting in Jeddah is not expected to involve map-drawing or territorial negotiations but rather a broader discussion of potential concessions and Ukraine’s needs.

Ukraine’s Counter-Invasion Falters Amid Battlefield Setbacks

Ukraine’s counter-invasion into Russia’s Kursk region, launched in November, had initially been seen as a potential bargaining chip in these talks. However, recent reports indicate that Russian forces have reversed many of Ukraine’s gains, with the Institute for the Study of War noting that Russian activity in the area has intensified. This reversal has raised questions about Ukraine’s leverage in negotiations and its ability to achieve its strategic goals.

The setbacks on the battlefield have also compounded the challenges faced by Ukrainian officials, who are increasingly concerned about the United States’ commitment to their cause. Washington’s decision to pause intelligence sharing with Kyiv last week has further fueled these concerns. Many Ukrainians are struggling to understand why the U.S. appears to be favoring negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Russia’s role as the aggressor in the conflict.

Public Sentiment in Ukraine: Frustration and Hope

In Kyiv, there is a mix of hope and skepticism about the ongoing diplomatic efforts. While some Ukrainians believe the talks in Jeddah could pave the way for a resolution to the conflict, others are deeply disillusioned with the West’s response. Slobodian Liliya, a 29-year-old NGO worker, observed that “Europe and Ukraine have ceased to perceive the U.S. as a reliable ally.” This sentiment isShared by many, who are baffled by Washington’s apparent willingness to engage with Putin while seemingly rewarding his aggression.

Serhiy Myroshnichenko, a 35-year-old photographer from Kyiv, questioned why decisions about Ukraine’s future are still being made byexternal powers. “This raises a lot of questions,” he said, “specifically for President Trump rather than for the country of the United States as a whole.” These voices reflect the frustration and uncertainty felt by many Ukrainians as they grapple with the ongoing war and the shifting geopolitical landscape.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Uncertainty

The situation in Ukraine remains deeply uncertain, with the outcome of the Jeddah talks hanging in the balance. While the drone attack on Moscow demonstrated Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory, the battlefield losses have underscored the immense challenges it faces. The conflict has entered a critical phase, with both sides digging in for a prolonged war of attrition.

For now, the diplomatic efforts in Jeddah offer a glimmer of hope for a negotiated end to the conflict. However, the deep-seated mistrust between the parties, coupled with the complexity of the issues at hand, suggests that a resolution will be difficult to achieve. As the war rages on, the people of Ukraine continue to endure immense suffering, their lives disrupted by the relentless violence and uncertainty. The coming weeks and months will be pivotal in determining the future of this embattled nation.