Russian drones struck the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia late Sunday, damaging apartment blocks, a university, and a shopping mall, and injuring five people, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The attacks followed a weekend barrage by Ukrainian forces, who deployed more than 1,000 drones targeting Russia, including hundreds aimed at Moscow.
Zelenskyy stated on social media Monday that Russia's attacks extended to nine other regions of Ukraine. He characterized the continued escalation as Russia signaling readiness to expand the conflict and indicated that discussions at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly would focus on achieving peace through joint efforts.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported Monday that its forces targeted Ukrainian logistics hubs, warehouses, and ports overnight. The ministry also claimed that its air defenses downed 244 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions and the Black Sea waters. Ukraine's air force, however, stated it shot down or suppressed 148 Russian drones during an overnight attack.
Neighboring Countries Report Drone Incursions
Amidst the aerial exchanges, drones have repeatedly strayed into neighboring countries, raising concerns among leaders wary of the conflict's expansion. Moldova's Ministry of Defense reported that its airspace in the north was temporarily closed overnight after surveillance systems detected an unidentified aerial object entering national territory shortly after midnight. In recent weeks, Moldova has experienced multiple airspace violations, with drone debris found on its territory. The origin of these drones, whether Russian or Ukrainian, remains unclear, although Moscow has often been blamed.
Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu has condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine, noting that the conflict is nearing its borders following Russian strikes along Moldova’s frontier. Drone incursions into Romania's airspace have also increased significantly.
The ongoing drone warfare underscores the lack of substantial progress in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine more than four years ago. As world leaders prepare to gather at the U.N. General Assembly this week, there are no indications that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to abandon his objectives. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expects to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the assembly, while Putin is not scheduled to attend.