Ukraine conducted one of its largest aerial assaults since the invasion began nearly five years ago, launching almost 1,200 drones at Russian targets overnight. The attacks occurred as U.S. and Russian negotiators are considering wider European security arrangements, a move that has alarmed European leaders and cast uncertainty over NATO's future.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, "Russia wants to talk about questions of European security architecture. We don’t need to talk about that. There is one,” referring to the NATO military alliance. Following two days of talks in Abu Dhabi, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to brief them on the discussions.
Kushner indicated that Russia has agreed to include European nations in upcoming talks, a shift from its previous stance that continental governments should be excluded. "Europe’s presence at the negotiating table will allow negotiators to address the broader postwar European security arrangements alongside the territorial issues between Ukraine and Russia," Kushner said on X. European leaders are reportedly concerned about Russian maneuvering and former U.S. President Donald Trump's past praise for Putin and criticism of Europe.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas emphasized that Europe must insist on a ceasefire before proceeding with negotiations, a position contrary to Putin's demands. "If we start to talk about what Russia is asking regarding the security architecture, we actually walk into the traps that Russia is setting us," she stated. Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden urged Europe to take control of its own destiny, saying, "We cannot let neither the Americans nor the Russians decide about our future."
The Institute for the Study of War assessed that Moscow aims "to dismantle NATO and the post-Cold War European security architecture." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia's openness to dialogue with Europeans, contingent on understanding their intentions and readiness to facilitate the peace process.
Separately, President Zelenskyy reiterated his concerns about speed restrictions imposed by SpaceX on its Starshield system, a military-grade version of Starlink internet service. He stated that these limitations, which restrict Ukrainian drones to 161 kph (100 mph), hinder effective interception of Russia's fast-moving drones. Ukrainian officials are seeking clarification and resolution from the U.S. Department of State, the Pentagon, and SpaceX.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported downing 1,198 Ukrainian drones between late Thursday and early Friday. However, strikes in three Russian regions resulted in seven deaths, including a child, and wounded 17 people, according to local officials. Ukraine's massive drone barrage appears intended to demonstrate its continued resilience in the conflict. Meanwhile, Russia launched 117 drones against Ukraine overnight, killing at least two people, including a teenager, and wounding 25 in one attack on apartment blocks in Zaporizhzhia. Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure also caused widespread power outages.