Russia Launched War's Largest Drone Attack Ahead of Putin-Trump Call, Ukraine Says

Ukraine has reported that Russia launched its largest drone attack since the full-scale invasion began, targeting multiple regions, including Kyiv, just a day before a scheduled call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The attack, which occurred on May 18, 2025, involved 273 drones, marking a record-breaking assault on Ukrainian territory.

The Attack and Its Impact

According to Ukraine’s air force, the drones targeted the Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk regions, with 88 drones intercepted and another 128 going astray without causing damage. However, the strikes resulted in one fatality on the outskirts of Kyiv and left at least three others injured, including a four-year-old child.

This latest assault surpasses Russia’s previous largest drone attack, which took place on February 23, the third anniversary of the invasion, when 267 drones were deployed. Ukrainian officials have condemned the attack, stating that it demonstrates Russia’s unwillingness to negotiate peace despite international pressure.

Political Context and Upcoming Talks

The timing of the attack is particularly significant, as it comes just before Trump and Putin’s scheduled conversation, where the U.S. president is expected to push for a ceasefire. Ukraine and Russia recently held their first face-to-face talks in over three years in Turkey, resulting in a prisoner swap agreement but no progress toward ending the conflict.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that leaders from Britain, France, and Poland would hold a virtual meeting with Trump ahead of his discussion with Putin, emphasizing the importance of coordinated diplomatic efforts.

International Reactions and Next Steps

Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism about Russia’s willingness to negotiate, with Andriy Yermak, a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that Moscow is using diplomatic talks as a pretense while continuing its military aggression. Zelensky, who was in Rome for a meeting with Pope Leo, also briefly met U.S. Vice President JD Vance, reinforcing Ukraine’s commitment to diplomacy.

As the situation unfolds, global leaders are closely monitoring Russia’s actions and the upcoming Trump-Putin call, which could shape the next phase of the war. Whether this attack signals an escalation or a strategic move ahead of negotiations remains to be seen.