Russia says it shot down almost 400 Ukrainian drones as Moscow and Kyiv escalate aerial barrages

Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine, deploying 948 drones in a 24-hour period, marking a potential new offensive. The attacks, unusually occurring during the daytime, struck multiple regions, including Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, and Lviv, resulting in casualties and damage to infrastructure, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight bombardments across 11 regions also caused fatalities. President Zelenskyy appealed to allies for increased air defense support, citing concerns about a potential missile deficit due to the US focus on the conflict between Iran and Israel. He also noted the lack of progress on a security guarantees agreement with the US during recent talks.

A major Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine killed four people and injured at least 35 on Tuesday. Ukraine's air force reported Russia launched nearly 400 long-range drones overnight, along with 23 cruise missiles and seven ballistic missiles, striking at least 10 locations across the country, including Kyiv, Dnipro, and Lviv. Daytime strikes injured 13 people in Dnipro and two in Lviv. The increased attacks come as Russia intensifies efforts to break through Ukrainian front-line defenses, signaling a potential spring offensive. The attacks occurred after US-brokered talks between Moscow and Kyiv failed to produce a ceasefire.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Russia launched a major drone and missile attack on Ukraine, killing four and injuring at least 27. Ukrainian officials reported that nearly 400 long-range drones were fired overnight, marking the largest attack in weeks. In addition to the drones, Russia launched 23 cruise missiles and seven ballistic missiles, hitting at least 10 locations across the country, including the capital, Kyiv. The attacks come amid signs that Russia is stepping up efforts to break through Ukrainian front-line defenses, potentially signaling the start of a spring offensive. The increased military activity occurs after U.S.-brokered talks failed to produce a ceasefire agreement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has evidence Russia is providing intelligence support to Iran. According to Zelenskyy, this intelligence includes signals and electronic data gathered by Russia, along with information obtained through partnerships in the Middle East. Zelenskyy's statement, posted on X, cites a report by the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Oleh Ivashchenko. Zelenskyy argues that Russia's assistance helps Iran strike more accurately and prolongs the war. He believes this alleged support warrants a response.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced that Russia plans to establish four control stations for long-range attack drones in Belarus, prompting Ukraine to prepare responses and inform its partners. Zelenskyy warned of increased Russian attacks from Belarusian territory, citing past experiences. Meanwhile, the European Union is seeking clarification from Hungary regarding allegations that Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó shared sensitive EU negotiation information with Russia. The Washington Post reported Szijjártó regularly contacted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during EU meetings. The EU emphasizes the importance of trust among member states, while Germany described the allegations as "very serious," highlighting the confidential nature of EU discussions.

Ukrainian and U.S. delegations concluded two days of talks in Florida focused on ending the four-year war with Russia. The U.S. team was led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Russian representatives were absent from the talks, despite initial expectations of their participation in Abu Dhabi. President Zelensky stated that the U.S. is currently focused on Iran and the surrounding region, but ending the war in Ukraine is also a priority. Zelensky also indicated the possibility of further prisoner of war exchanges, expressing hope that diplomacy is working. Details regarding future talks remain unspecified.

Ahead of renewed US-Ukraine talks in Florida, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged allies to increase sanctions pressure on Russia, particularly targeting its "shadow fleet" of tankers. Zelenskyy stated that Russia is using increased oil revenues, gained through eased sanctions, to finance its war efforts. He called for these tankers to be blocked from European waters and elsewhere. The US-Ukraine talks, without Russian representatives, are focused on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The US delegation is being led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia launched nearly 1,550 attack drones against Ukraine, more than 1,260 guided aerial bombs, and two missiles over the past week.