Ukraine says Russia launched ‘record’ drone barrage

KYIV (AFP) — Ukraine on Sunday said that Russia had launched a record number of drones at the country overnight, targeting various regions, including that of the capital Kyiv, where a woman was killed.

The attacks came two days after the first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years, which failed to produce a truce.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview released on Sunday that his focus was on eradicating what he called the root causes of the Ukraine conflict and guaranteeing Russia’s security.

The Ukrainian air force said that Russia had launched “273 Shahed attack drones and various types of imitator drones” of which 88 were destroyed and 128 more went astray “without negative consequences.”

Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said it was a “record” number of drones. “Russia has a clear goal — to continue killing civilians,” she said.

The Russian military said it had intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones overnight and on Sunday morning. Moscow also claimed it had captured Bahatyr, another village in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, as it intensifies the war effort despite the talks.

Russia’s overnight drone attacks were roundly condemned by Ukrainian officials.

“For Russia, the negotiations in Istanbul are just a pretence. Putin wants war,” said Zelensky’s top aide, Andriy Yermak.