**Russia Unleashes Record Number of Drones on Ukraine**
In a dramatic escalation of violence, Russia launched a record-breaking 472 Shahed-type attack drones at Ukraine in a mass overnight aerial attack. This surpasses the previous record set just last week by over 100 drones.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the attack also included three Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and four Kh-101, Iskander-K air and ground-based cruise missiles. Ukrainian air defense units managed to shoot down 210 drones, while another 172 were suppressed by electronic warfare. Russian drones were intercepted in 18 different locations across the country.
**Ukraine Hits Back with Major Strike on Russia’s Military Airfields**
The record-shattering drone attack came on the eve of Ukraine’s “Operation Spider Web,” a major strike coordinated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) against Russia’s military airfields. The operation hit 41 Russian bombers at four airfields, causing approximately $7 billion in damages and disabling 34% of cruise missile carriers.
This follows some of Moscow’s heaviest aerial bombardments since the beginning of the full-scale war. For three nights in a row from May 24-26, Russia barraged Ukraine with drones and missiles, launching a record 298 drones on May 25 only to break the record with 355 the following night.
**Escalating Attacks Ahead of Peace Talks**
The escalating attacks form the backdrop against which Ukrainian and Russian delegations prepare for their second round of direct peace talks, scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul. The Kremlin has claimed it will submit a memorandum outlining its ceasefire conditions during the meeting, though previous promises have been followed by weeks of delays.
Russia continues to reject calls for an unconditional ceasefire. Despite this, Ukraine’s strike on Russia’s military aircraft is seen as a significant blow to Moscow’s war efforts and may signal a new phase in the conflict.
**Experts Weigh In**
“This latest attack demonstrates Russia’s commitment to using drones as a key component of its military strategy,” said Dr. Oleksandr Zaitsev, a leading expert on Ukrainian-Russian relations. “The use of such a large number of Shahed-type drones suggests that Russia is trying to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses and create opportunities for ground attacks.”
“The fact that Ukraine has been able to shoot down over 200 of these drones and suppress another 172 through electronic warfare shows that our air defense capabilities are improving,” added Dr. Zaitsev. “However, the situation remains precarious, and we must remain vigilant in the face of Russia’s continued aggression.”
**What’s Next?**
As Ukrainian and Russian delegations prepare for their second round of direct peace talks, it remains to be seen whether Moscow will follow through on its promises or continue to delay. One thing is certain: the escalating attacks have set a tense stage for these negotiations.
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