Before dawn on Tuesday, Ukraine launched one of its largest ever drone bombardments against Russia, hitting targets across the country including near Moscow. Russian authorities claimed to have shot down 337 drones, with at least 91 targeting the capital and the surrounding area. The attack resulted in the deaths of two people and the injuries of 14 others. All four international airports in the metropolitan area of 21 million people had to temporarily stop operations.

Ukraine has called for an immediate truce in the air, halting long-range strikes into Russia if Moscow reciprocates. A high-level delegation from Ukraine and the United States is scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss finding a path to ending the ongoing conflict. The strikes appear to be a reminder of Ukraine’s ability to hit back at Russia even with the brutal attacks and heavy losses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has mentioned plans to produce 30,000 long-range strike drones and 3,000 long-range missiles this year. The Russian bombing of Ukrainian civilians and military institutions has continued, with over 100 drones launched nightly and ballistic and cruise missiles added to the assaults. The latest Russian attack on Monday night into Tuesday included 126 drones and one ballistic missile.

The Russian strikes have killed more than 100 civilians since President Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The negotiations between the two countries come as Russian forces, backed by thousands of North Korean soldiers, are retaking territories occupied by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian troops are now being dispatched to reinforce their position amid attacks on supply lines. However, the Russian’s eastern Ukraine campaign has stalled, with Ukrainian forces making limited counterattacks. The damages from the strike included railway tracks and a parking lot, claiming the life of a security guard.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/11/world/europe/ukraine-russia-moscow-war-drones.html