Russia Launches Biggest Drone Attack Against Ukraine, Further Escalating Conflict

Ukrainian officials have reported Russia's largest drone attack against the country, with 355 drones launched on Sunday night. This attack is the latest in a series of escalating aerial bombardments by Russia, which have dashed hopes for a breakthrough in peace efforts. The attack comes as the United States and European leaders have criticized Russian leader Vladimir Putin for his determination to capture more Ukrainian territory and inflict more damage.

Key Takeaways:

• The Russian drone attack on Sunday night was the largest of the war, with 355 drones launched against Ukraine.
• The attack is part of an escalating bombing campaign that has seen Russia break its record for aerial bombardments of Ukraine three times this month alone.
• Russia has also been making slow and costly progress along the 1,000-kilometer front line, and is assembling its forces for a summer offensive.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of acting with a sense of complete impunity, citing a lack of military logic but significant political meaning behind the attacks.
• Russia's Defence Ministry has claimed to have shot down 103 Ukrainian drones overnight that were flying over southern and western Russia.
• The conflict has become a testing ground for drone warfare, with Russia receiving Iranian-made Shahed drones and Ukraine developing its own long-range drones for strikes deep inside Russia.

Statistics:

• 355: The number of drones launched by Russia against Ukraine in the largest attack of the war.
• 900: The number of drones launched by Russia from Friday to Sunday, according to Ukrainian officials.
• 298: The number of drones launched by Russia on the night before the largest attack, according to Ukrainian officials.
• 69: The number of missiles launched by Russia on the night before the largest attack, according to Ukrainian officials.
• 103: The number of Ukrainian drones claimed to have been shot down by Russia overnight, according to Russia's Defence Ministry.
• 32: The number of flights scheduled to land at three Moscow airports on Sunday and Monday that had to divert amid Ukrainian drone attacks, according to Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency.

Sources:

• "Ukraine reports 355 Russian drones in Monday's attack, a new record for a single night", The Associated Press.
• "Macron says Putin has lied to Europeans and Americans over Ukraine attacks", Reuters.
• "Russia launches biggest drone attack against Ukraine, further escalating conflict", CBC News.