Russia and Ukraine Engage in Intense Aerial Strikes Overnight:

Russia and Ukraine launched large-scale drone attacks against each other overnight on Saturday, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict. Both sides reported more than 100 enemy drones infiltrating their airspace. This latest aerial assault occurred less than 24 hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss a proposed 30-day ceasefire.

Drone Attack Sparks Fire in Volgograd Region

Andrei Bocharov, Governor of the Volgograd region, confirmed that falling drone debris ignited a fire in the Krasnoarmeysky district, near a Lukoil oil refinery. While the fire was quickly contained, no additional details were provided. Local media reported that nearby airports temporarily suspended operations as a precaution. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.

The Volgograd refinery has been a frequent target of Ukrainian forces since the full-scale Russian invasion began over three years ago. The most recent attack on the facility occurred on February 15, highlighting its strategic significance in the conflict.

Russia Reports Destruction of 126 Ukrainian Drones

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 126 Ukrainian drones overnight. Of these, 64 were downed over the Volgograd region, while additional drones were intercepted over the Voronezh, Belgorod, Bryansk, Rostov, and Kursk regions. The widespread deployment of drones underscores Ukraine’s continued reliance on aerial tactics to disrupt Russian military and energy infrastructure.

Ukraine’s Air Defense Downs 130 Russian Drones

Ukraine’s air force reported a massive drone assault from Russia, with 178 drones launched overnight. The attack included a mix of Shahed-type combat drones and decoy drones meant to mislead Ukrainian air defenses. Despite the complexity of the attack, Ukrainian forces successfully shot down 130 of these drones, while 38 others failed to reach their intended targets.

Escalation Despite Ceasefire Talks

The aerial bombardments come at a critical moment, as diplomatic efforts attempt to negotiate a temporary ceasefire. While discussions continue, the intensity of these attacks suggests that both sides remain committed to military pressure. The use of drones as a primary weapon in the conflict highlights the evolving nature of warfare between Russia and Ukraine.