On the eve of planned peace talks, Russia and Ukraine escalated military operations in one of the most intense exchanges since the war began. Ukraine launched a daring assault on Russian nuclear-capable bombers stationed deep in Siberia, while Russia retaliated with the largest drone offensive of the conflict to date.
A deadly incident occurred in Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, where a highway bridge was destroyed as a passenger train carrying 388 people passed underneath. Seven people were killed and 69 injured. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Russian air base over 4,300 kilometers from the front lines, targeting long-range strategic bombers. Ukrainian intelligence stated that explosive-laden drones were concealed in wooden sheds and transported to the vicinity of the base, damaging 41 aircraft in the operation.
Russian defense officials confirmed that drone attacks were launched against military airfields in five regions. While most were thwarted, significant damage occurred in Murmansk and Irkutsk, where FPV drones ignited fires on airfields. Authorities reported the fires were contained with no casualties, and some individuals connected to the attacks were apprehended.
Ukraine’s air force claimed Russia launched a record 472 drones in a single night, along with seven missiles, marking the highest number of drone strikes in the war so far. Russian forces also reported territorial gains in Ukraine’s Sumy region, capturing an estimated 450 square kilometers in May alone — their fastest advance in half a year.
Despite the intensifying violence, diplomatic efforts continue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Defence Minister Rustem Umerov would attend the second round of direct peace negotiations in Istanbul. The first meeting had resulted in a major prisoner swap, but no progress on ending the conflict.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged both nations to agree to peace, warning that failure to do so may lead to a shift in international support, potentially placing greater pressure on Europe to intervene despite its limited military and financial resources. According to a U.S. envoy, both sides are expected to present their proposals for a peace settlement during the Istanbul talks.
Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 following years of conflict between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Since then, over 1.2 million people have been killed or injured, according to U.S. estimates.
Last year, Putin offered initial peace terms demanding Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations and withdraw from four regions claimed by Russia. However, a draft roadmap to be presented by Ukraine in Istanbul rejects those conditions, instead insisting on full sovereignty, military independence, and reparations. The current front line would serve as the basis for territorial discussions.
Russia currently holds nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory—about 113,100 square kilometers—roughly the size of the U.S. state of Ohio.
