Russia Launches Biggest Drone Attack Since Start of Ukraine War, Killing At Least One

Published: Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 10:50 am

Russia Unleashes Largest Drone Barrage on Ukraine, Talks Stalled

KYIV, Ukraine – Russia launched its most extensive drone attack on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, following failed peace talks in Turkey. The overnight assault, which occurred on Sunday, saw Russia deploy a staggering 273 drones and decoys across multiple regions, including Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk.

Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept 88 drones, while another 128 were likely jammed electronically. The attack, confirmed by Ukrainian Air Force officials as the largest of its kind, resulted in at least one fatality – a 28-year-old woman in the Kyiv region – and injuries to three others, including a four-year-old child.

The escalation in attacks comes after direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul on Friday ended without a ceasefire agreement. While both sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, the meeting ultimately failed to achieve a breakthrough. Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer for a face-to-face meeting, despite proposing direct negotiations himself.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak with Putin on Monday, followed by conversations with Zelenskyy and NATO leaders, in an effort to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict. The situation remains tense, with the recent drone attacks highlighting the continued intensity of the war.

BNN's Perspective: The failure of the Istanbul talks and the subsequent escalation in drone attacks paint a grim picture. While the prisoner exchange is a positive step, the lack of progress on a ceasefire is deeply concerning. The involvement of former U.S. President Trump in potential peace negotiations offers a glimmer of hope, but the path to a lasting resolution remains uncertain and fraught with challenges. The human cost of this conflict continues to mount, and a diplomatic solution is urgently needed.

Keywords: Russia, Ukraine, drone attack, Kyiv, war, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ceasefire, Istanbul, peace talks, Donald Trump, military, conflict, invasion, casualties, air defense, prisoners of war, NATO, diplomacy, escalating conflict

Full Story