Drone Strikes: Russia and Ukraine have escalated their use of drones in the ongoing war, with both sides launching unprecedented attacks that highlight the increasing reliance on unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare. These dramatic drone strikes, which targeted both military and civilian infrastructure, marked a significant escalation in the conflict between the two nations.
Record Drone Attacks: Ukraine Strikes Moscow
In a significant development, Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale drone assault on Moscow, temporarily grounding flights at three of the Russian capital’s busiest airports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia fired 145 drones at Ukraine overnight, marking the highest number in any single nighttime attack since the war began two and a half years ago. 
In his address, Zelenskyy emphasized the growing urgency for more support from Western allies to help bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities. The Ukrainian military reported shooting down 62 of the drones, though many still managed to reach their targets.
Moscow Under Attack: A Rare Escalation
While Kyiv has regularly been targeted by Russian drone and missile strikes, attacks on Moscow are comparatively rare. However, on Sunday, Russia reported a record attempt, with 34 Ukrainian drones targeting the capital. Local officials described the assault as “massive,” and it forced the temporary shutdown of airports in the Moscow region. A 52-year-old woman was reported wounded, and several homes were set ablaze in the village of Stanovoye.
Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that its air defences intercepted 70 Ukrainian drones in the early morning hours, between 04:00 and 07:00 GMT, across six regions. The majority were downed over the Moscow region, including areas like Ramenskoye, Kolomna, and Domodedovo, though other regions like Bryansk, Orlov, and Kursk were also targeted.
Putin is open to talking with Trump, but Ukraine’s demands are unchanged.
Drone Strikes: Previous Drone Strikes in Moscow
This latest attack follows a string of other notable drone incidents in and around Moscow. In September 2023, a Ukrainian drone strike near the capital resulted in the death of a civilian—this marked the first fatality from a Ukrainian strike in the Moscow area. Other significant drone attacks occurred earlier in 2023, including an attempt on the Kremlin itself and several strikes on the Moscow City business district.
Tensions Heighten: Russia Signs Military Pact with North Korea
The drone attacks coincide with a significant political development. Russian President Vladimir Putin has formalized a military pact with North Korea, strengthening ties between the two nations. Signed on Saturday night, the agreement pledges that both countries will provide military assistance to one another in the event of an attack. This move marks the most substantial alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Cold War.
The pact has raised concerns globally, with some speculating that it could lead to further military escalation in the region. Russia and North Korea seek to fortify their positions in the face of international pressure.
The Role of US Politics: Trump’s Potential Influence
Amid these escalating tensions, political shifts in the U.S. also cast a shadow over the conflict. Former President Donald Trump, who is currently campaigning for re-election, has made statements suggesting that he could broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. His comments contrast sharply with the approach of current President Joe Biden, who has maintained a firm stance of supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov recently expressed cautious optimism about Trump’s rhetoric, highlighting that the former president has shown interest in negotiating peace rather than pursuing further confrontation. However, Peskov warned of Trump’s unpredictability, acknowledging that the situation remains uncertain.
The Ongoing Stalemate: Will Peace Be Possible?
The fundamental issue remains despite the possibility of a change in U.S. leadership: Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted that Ukraine must cede significant portions of its eastern and southern territories as a condition for peace talks. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not negotiate under duress, warning that any concessions would only encourage the Kremlin to pursue further aggression.
