Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Overshadowed by Drone Strikes, Bridge Blast, and Siberian Airbase Attack

On the eve of renewed Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul, the conflict escalated dramatically. Ukraine launched its longest-range drone attack yet, targeting Russian nuclear-capable bombers over 4,300 km away in Siberia. Ukraine’s SBU intelligence agency claimed responsibility for “Operation Spider’s Web,” which hit 41 Russian aircraft and caused an estimated $7 billion in damage. President Zelenskiy hailed the mission as a "brilliant outcome" using 117 drones.

Simultaneously, a highway bridge in Russia’s Bryansk region was blown up over a passenger train carrying 388 people, killing at least seven and injuring 69. No group has claimed responsibility.

Russia responded with the most extensive drone assault of the war, launching 472 drones and seven missiles overnight. Ukraine reported continuous Russian drone strikes, with 53 intercepted in under two hours. Fires broke out in several areas due to debris, and Russia claimed gains in Ukraine’s Sumy region, capturing 450 square kilometers in May alone.

Despite the violence, Ukraine confirmed that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will attend Monday’s talks. The first round yielded a major prisoner exchange but no progress on a ceasefire. Russia acknowledged receiving Ukraine’s peace proposal but had not shared one in return. U.S. President Trump warned both nations to make peace or face reduced American support, potentially shifting the burden to Europe.

Ukraine’s peace terms, seen by Reuters, reject NATO withdrawal, Russian territorial claims, and any limits on its military. It calls for reparations and recognizes the current front line as the basis for talks. Russia continues to insist on Ukraine abandoning NATO ambitions and retreating from occupied regions.

As the war intensifies, hopes for a diplomatic resolution remain dim, despite growing global pressure to end the conflict.