Ukraine biggest drone assault on Moscow hits during ongoing peace talks in saudi
March 11, 2025, Ukraine executed its most extensive drone assault on Moscow since the onset of the conflict in 2022, coinciding with U.S.-Ukraine peace negotiations in Saudi Arabia. This synchronized military and diplomatic maneuver underscores the intricate dynamics of the ongoing war and the multifaceted efforts to attain a peaceful resolution.
The Drone Assault: Scope and Impact
In the early hours of March 11, Ukrainian forces launched an unprecedented drone offensive targeting Moscow and its surrounding regions. The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting 337 drones across ten regions, with 91 aimed at the Moscow area. This marked the largest drone strike on the Russian capital since the conflict began. The attack resulted in three fatalities and 18 injuries, including damage to residential structures and vehicles in the Moscow vicinity. Flights at major airports were temporarily suspended, and train services experienced brief interruptions.
The drones targeted strategic sites, including an oil refinery, highlighting Ukraine’s capability to strike deep within Russian territory. Despite Russia’s extensive air defense systems, the scale and coordination of this assault exposed vulnerabilities in Moscow’s defenses. The use of new An-126 Liutyi drones in the operation signifies an advancement in Ukraine’s unmanned aerial capabilities.
Concurrent Peace Negotiations in Saudi Arabia
Simultaneously, high-level peace talks commenced in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials. These discussions aimed to explore avenues for a 30-day ceasefire and to address broader terms for a lasting peace. The timing of the drone attack raised questions about its potential impact on the negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the possibility that the assault was intended to influence the talks, cautioning against undue optimism regarding the emerging diplomatic trends.
The U.S. delegation sought to assess Ukraine’s readiness for concessions and to understand the necessary conditions for Russia’s engagement in peace talks. Discussions included proposals for a ceasefire encompassing the Black Sea to ensure safer shipping routes and agreements to halt long-range missile strikes affecting civilian areas. Additionally, Ukraine expressed willingness to grant the U.S. access to its rare earth minerals, aligning with American strategic interests.
Reactions from Global Leaders
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope that Russia would accept the proposed 30-day ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of halting hostilities to pave the way for lasting peace. However, he noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent statements included extensive demands that could complicate the truce. Trump underscored the necessity of Russia’s agreement to the ceasefire and mentioned the possibility of direct communication with Putin to finalize details.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the international community to maintain financial pressure on Russia, cautioning against the premature lifting of sanctions. He argued that sustained economic measures are crucial to prevent Russia from rearming and prolonging the conflict. Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of European involvement in the peace process to ensure a comprehensive and enduring resolution.
Strategic Implications and Future Prospects
The simultaneous occurrence of Ukraine’s largest drone attack on Moscow and the initiation of peace talks in Saudi Arabia reflects a complex strategy intertwining military pressure with diplomatic efforts. The drone assault serves as a demonstration of Ukraine’s operational capabilities and resilience, potentially strengthening its negotiating position. Conversely, it risks escalating tensions and hardening Russia’s stance in the negotiations.
The international community’s role remains pivotal in facilitating dialogue and ensuring that both parties commit to a ceasefire and subsequent peace agreements. The involvement of nations like Saudi Arabia as mediators indicates a broader geopolitical interest in resolving the conflict. The outcomes of these negotiations will significantly influence the future stability of the region and the global geopolitical landscape.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s extensive drone attack on Moscow, executed concurrently with peace talks in Saudi Arabia, exemplifies the intricate interplay between military actions and diplomatic initiatives in the pursuit of conflict resolution. The effectiveness of these efforts in achieving a sustainable peace remains contingent upon the willingness of all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and make necessary concessions.
Ukraine’s Largest Drone Attack on Moscow Amid Peace Negotiations.
Details of the Drone Assault
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that out of the 337 drones launched, 91 targeted the Moscow region, resulting in three fatalities and multiple injuries. The attacks caused significant disruptions, including fires and temporary closures of major airports and train services in Moscow. Additional drones were intercepted over regions such as Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Voronezh, Rostov, and Belgorod, indicating a widespread and coordinated effort by Ukrainian forces.
Strategic Implications
The timing of this extensive drone operation appears to be a calculated move by Ukraine to bolster its position in the concurrent peace talks. By demonstrating its military capabilities, Kyiv aimed to pressure Moscow into considering concessions, particularly regarding proposals for aerial and naval ceasefires. Ukrainian officials suggested that the scale of the attack should serve as a signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the seriousness of Ukraine’s stance and the potential consequences of prolonging the conflict.
International Diplomatic Efforts
In parallel with the military developments, high-stakes diplomatic discussions were underway in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Jeddah to engage with U.S. officials, aiming to mend strained relations and secure the resumption of military aid and intelligence sharing, which had been paused following earlier diplomatic tensions. The talks focused on establishing a 30-day ceasefire, with Ukraine proposing to halt long-range drone and missile strikes, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and military activities in the Black Sea.
Responses from Global Leaders
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the proposed ceasefire, urging Russia to agree to the terms to facilitate a path toward lasting peace. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin raised concerns about the ceasefire, questioning how Ukraine might utilize the pause to train and mobilize new troops. He emphasized the need for any ceasefire to lead to a durable peace that addresses the underlying issues of the conflict.
Ongoing Military Engagements
Despite the diplomatic overtures, hostilities continued on the ground. Russian forces intensified their offensive in the Kursk region, reclaiming territory previously held by Ukrainian forces. This escalation underscored the fragile nature of the situation and the challenges inherent in achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement.
Ukraine has launched its biggest drone attack on the Russian capital, with at least 91 drones targeting Moscow, killing at least three people, sparking fires, closing airports and forcing dozens of flights to be diverted, according to Russian officials.
A total of 337 Ukrainian drones were downed over Russia on Tuesday, including 91 over the Moscow region and 126 over the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have been pulling back, the defence ministry said.
The massive dawn drone attack occurred as a team of Ukrainian officials prepare to meet a US team in Saudi Arabia to seek grounds for possible peace talks in the three-year-old war, and as Russian forces try to encircle thousands of Ukrainian soldiers in the western Russian region of Kursk.
Other regions listed in the statement from the Russian defence ministry included Belgorod, Bryansk and Voronezh on the border with Ukraine and those deeper inside Russia, such as Kaluga, Lipetsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Oryol and Ryazan.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said over 70 drones targeted the Russian capital and were shot down as they were flying toward it.
As rush hour built, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defences were still repelling attacks on the city, which along with the surrounding region has a population of at least 21 million and is one of the biggest metropolitan areas in Europe.
“The most massive attack of enemy UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) on Moscow has been repelled,” Mr Sobyanin said in a post on Telegram.
Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said at least one person was killed and up to nine others injured, and he posted a picture of a wrecked apartment with its windows blown out.
Mr Vorobyov said some residents were forced to evacuate a multi-storey building in the Ramenskoye district of the Moscow region, about 50 kilometres south-east of the Kremlin.
Russian authorities later revised the death toll from the drone attacks up to three, with at least 18 others injured.
There was no sign of panic in Moscow, commuters went to work as normal in central Moscow.
Russia’s aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia said flights were suspended at all four of Moscow’s airports to ensure air safety after the attacks. Two other airports, in the Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod regions — both east of Moscow — were also closed.
Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport later resumed flights, according to the aviation watchdog.
Though US President Donald Trump says he wants to deliver peace in Ukraine, the war is heating up on the battlefield with a major Russian spring offensive in Kursk and a series of Ukrainian drone attacks deep into Russia.
Russia has developed a myriad of electronic “umbrellas” over Moscow and over key installations, with additional advanced internal layers over strategic buildings, and a complex web of air defences to shoot down the drones before they reach the Kremlin in the heart of the capital.
Kyiv, itself the target of repeated mass drone strikes from Russian forces, has tried to strike back against its vastly larger eastern neighbour with repeated drone strikes against oil refineries, airfields and even Russian strategic early-warning radar stations.
Rubio ‘won’t set ceasefire conditions’ in Ukraine peace talks
In the Saudi city of Jeddah, there was no immediate US response to the drone barrage as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his delegation — including national security adviser Mike Waltz — were preparing to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s team.
Ukraine is expected to propose a ceasefire covering the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes, as well as the release of prisoners, according to two senior Ukrainian officials.
The officials also said Kyiv was ready to sign an agreement with the United States on access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals — a deal that Mr Trump is keen to secure.
Ukraine war latest: Putin ‘likely to agree truce’ but with conditions; drone attack on Moscow
Talks between US and Russian officials continue, but the EU’s foreign policy chief said she expects Vladimir Putin will accept a ceasefire under certain conditions. Overnight, Moscow’s mayor said the city was on the end of another drone attack. Follow the latest here.
Three people are now reported to have been killed as a result of an overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Russia.
Two employees from the Moscow-based agribusiness Miratorg are among the dead, the firm said.
Russia’s defence ministry said this morning that air defence units had destroyed 337 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 91 of them over the Moscow region.
There has been no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials on the attack.
Conclusion
The simultaneous occurrence of Ukraine’s largest drone assault on Moscow and the initiation of peace talks in Saudi Arabia highlights the intricate dynamics of the ongoing conflict. While Ukraine’s military actions demonstrate its resolve and capability, the concurrent diplomatic efforts reflect a desire to explore avenues for peace. The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, recognizing that the path to a sustainable resolution requires careful navigation of both military and diplomatic channels.
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