Russia Launches 472 Record Drone Attack on Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

In one of the most intense days of fighting since the war began, Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion started three years ago. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, a total of 472 drones were unleashed across Ukrainian airspace on Sunday, alongside seven missiles in a massive overnight assault.

Details of the Drone Barrage

The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that most of the drones were Shahed-type attack drones, a loitering munition that explodes on impact, commonly supplied to Russia by Iran. These drones are often used in large waves to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses.

Yuriy Ignat, the head of communications for Ukraine's air force, explained that the air force and ground-based defense systems worked through the night to shoot down a majority of the drones, but some still reached their targets, causing damage and casualties.

This marked the highest number of drones launched in a single day since the conflict escalated in February 2022.

Missile Strike on Ukrainian Army Unit

On the same day, a deadly missile strike by Russian forces targeted a Ukrainian army training unit, located far behind the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) active front line. The missile hit around 12:50 p.m. local time (0950 GMT).

The Ukrainian Ground Forces reported at least 12 soldiers killed and over 60 others injured in the attack. Importantly, officials noted that no mass formations or gatherings of troops were being held at the time, as Ukrainian forces routinely avoid large assemblies due to the constant surveillance of Russian drones over the front.

A special investigative team was immediately formed to uncover how such a deadly strike was possible. The Ukrainian military warned that if negligence or errors by officials contributed to the incident, those responsible would face strict consequences.

Ukraine Plans New Peace Talks

In the midst of this ongoing escalation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a Ukrainian delegation would head to Istanbul for a new round of direct peace talks with Russia on Monday.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will lead the Ukrainian side. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine continues to do everything it can to defend its independence and citizens while also exploring diplomatic options to end the war.

Ukrainian officials had earlier demanded that Russia submit a formal memorandum outlining its stance on ending the conflict before these talks. Moscow indicated it would present this document during the meeting.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Inside Russia

Ukraine did not remain passive on the day of the drone attacks. Ukrainian forces reportedly carried out drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, including in the Irkutsk region of Siberia — a staggering 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) east of Moscow.

Local Russian Governor Igor Kobzeva confirmed the presence of a Ukrainian drone in the region, marking the first time such an incident occurred in Irkutsk. Authorities claimed there was no threat to civilians.

Additionally, Ukrainian drone attacks were reported in Russia’s Ryazan region and the Arctic Murmansk region. While no casualties were reported, these strikes demonstrate Ukraine's ability to reach targets deep within Russian borders.

Northern Frontline Situation

Meanwhile, on the northern front, Russia’s Ministry of Defense declared it had taken control of the village of Oleksiivka in Sumy region. In response, Ukrainian officials ordered mandatory evacuations in 11 nearby settlements due to the increasing risk from advancing Russian forces.

Ukraine’s military commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Russian troops were focusing their main offensive operations on several key areas: Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Lyman in the Donetsk region, as well as along the border areas of Sumy.

The Bigger Picture

This surge in drone and missile attacks comes as both sides gear up for what many experts predict could be a crucial phase in the war. Russia continues to apply pressure on multiple fronts while Ukraine — grappling with manpower shortages and the constant threat from drones — looks to both bolster its defenses and pursue peace negotiations.

Despite heavy attacks, Ukraine’s leadership remains firm in its resolve to protect the country’s sovereignty and seek a fair resolution to the conflict.