Ukraine retaliated against Russia by launching a series of drone attacks, resulting in the closure of all busy airports in Moscow. President Volodymr Zelensky’s forces targeted a major explosives plant in Veliky Novgorod and another facility 260 miles away in Smolensk. The Dorogobuzh Thermal Power Plant in the Smolensk region was also hit in response to Russian missile attacks over the weekend. Approximately 300 drones were deployed against Russia overnight as new evidence surfaced indicating that Vladimir Putin is gearing up for an extended conflict, despite engaging with Donald Trump’s negotiators.
In a bid to end the war in Ukraine, Zelensky is set to present a 20-point peace plan to Trump following discussions with European leaders. The retaliatory drone attacks led to the closure of Moscow’s major airports, causing around 200 flight delays or cancellations. Passengers were left stranded, forced to sleep on mats, makeshift cardboard, and benches as Ukrainian drones targeted areas near the city, resulting in the downing of three dozen drones according to Russian reports.
Shortly after, Ukrainian forces destroyed a tanker from Putin’s ‘shadow fleet’ in the Black Sea using Sea Baby marine drones. Meanwhile, Russia targeted energy infrastructure in the Odessa region, including residential buildings, as part of what experts believe to be a covert mobilization effort to reinforce forces in Ukraine. Despite claiming readiness for peace, Putin signed a decree allowing for the secretive mobilization of the “strategic inactive reserve” to bolster military strength.
Military expert Yuri Fedorov highlighted the compulsory conscription of individuals into the armed forces, emphasizing the inevitability of deployment to the front lines for those selected. Former president and Putin’s security council deputy Dmitry Medvedev commended Putin for nearly reaching his goal of half a million new soldiers this year, citing the enlistment of over 400,000 servicemen and 34,000 volunteers in military units.
Donald Trump urged Zelensky to sign a peace deal and questioned the delay in holding elections during the invasion, citing the Ukrainian constitution’s restriction on election calls during martial law. The pressure mounts on Zelensky as world leaders navigate the complexities of the ongoing conflict in the region.