WORLD NEWS
At least three people have been killed in a Russian drone attack on the central Kyiv region, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry reported on Friday. The overnight assault left two men and one woman dead as drone debris hit a residential apartment building, along with several houses, commercial buildings, and vehicles.
The attack comes as Russia continues its military operations against Ukraine, with drones causing significant damage. This recent strike marks a surge in aerial warfare as both sides escalate their attacks. Ukraine's authorities are investigating the damage caused, and emergency response teams have been deployed to aid victims.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil and Electronics Facilities
In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s military launched a significant barrage of drones into Russia, targeting key infrastructure. Ukrainian forces claimed responsibility for hitting oil facilities in Ryazan and a microelectronics production plant in Bryansk. These strikes reflect Kyiv’s strategy to disrupt Russian supply chains and bolster its defense efforts.
Russia's defense ministry claimed that air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones that were launched overnight. The drones were reportedly downed over 13 Russian regions, including Moscow, Kursk, Bryansk, Belgorod, and the Crimean Peninsula—territory annexed by Russia in 2014. Moscow authorities also reported that drones were intercepted near the Russian capital.
Impact on Russian Airports
The drone attacks also caused disruptions in air traffic, with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stating that the drones were intercepted over the capital. According to Russian news agencies, Moscow’s two major airports, Vnukovo and Domodedovo, temporarily suspended operations, redirecting six flights to other airports as a precaution.
Both the Ryazan and Tula regions, located south of Moscow, also reported drone strikes, adding to the growing pressure on Russia’s internal security systems.
US President Trump’s Pressure on Moscow
As the situation intensifies, diplomatic efforts are also in play, with US President Donald Trump ramping up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in talks. Trump, who is aiming to increase leverage over Russia, threatened massive tariffs, taxes, and sanctions on Russia if the war does not end soon.
In an interview on Thursday, Trump reiterated his stance: “If they don’t settle this war soon, like almost immediately, I’m going to put massive tariffs on Russia, and massive taxes, and also big sanctions.” His remarks add to the ongoing international pressure on Moscow as negotiations and potential peace talks loom on the horizon.
Kremlin Open to Resuming Nuclear Talks with Trump
In a further twist to the diplomatic saga, the Kremlin expressed a desire to resume nuclear disarmament talks with Trump’s administration. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Friday that President Putin was ready to engage in a phone call with Trump to discuss the matter and hoped for swift communication from Washington to schedule discussions.
As the situation unfolds, both Ukraine and Russia continue to prepare for a potential shift in international dynamics as they await further moves from the United States and its allies.