Russia Launches 149 Drones at Ukraine After Trump Zelenskyy Meet

Russia launched a fresh wave of drone attacks on Ukraine overnight, intensifying hostilities even as diplomatic efforts to end the prolonged conflict gained momentum. The renewed attacks came just hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of Pope Francis funeral in Vatican City.

Key Highlights

• Russia launches 149 drones at Ukraine, escalating conflict despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and peace discussions
• Trump-Zelenskyy Vatican meeting signals renewed ceasefire hopes amid intensifying drone warfare and civilian damage.

The meeting, described by the White House as a “very productive session,” is part of ongoing international efforts to broker a ceasefire and bring an end to the more than three-year-long war. Zelenskyy later called the interaction “good” and expressed optimism about achieving “a full and unconditional ceasefire” and a “reliable and lasting peace.”

Ukrainian authorities reported that 149 drones were fired into the country, targeting multiple regions and causing infrastructure damage.

According to Ukraine’s air force, 57 drones were successfully intercepted, while 67 were lost mid-flight. However, six regions - including Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Odessa, Donetsk, Sumy, and Cherkasy - reported damage from the strikes, highlighting the continued vulnerability of civilian and critical infrastructure.

Following the meeting, Trump openly criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin, questioning Moscow’s commitment to ending the conflict. “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas,” Trump said, adding that the continued bombardments raise doubts about Russia’s willingness to negotiate peace.

Ongoing Conflict and Strategic Uncertainty

The Vatican talks came after a separate round of diplomatic engagement between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian officials in Moscow, with Trump earlier suggesting that both sides were “very close to a deal.” However, no concrete breakthroughs have been confirmed.

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Despite diplomatic signals, the continued drone barrages underscore the fragile nature of negotiations. The war - now in its fourth year - remains marked by cycles of escalation, with both sides increasingly deploying drones as a key battlefield tool.

Recent reports suggest that drone warfare has become central to the conflict, with thousands of aerial strikes recorded monthly, underscoring the evolving dynamics of modern combat.