Ukraine kicked off the biggest drone assault ever on Moscow with a wave of attacks on crucial infrastructure, including oil refineries and pipelines. The strike came ahead of talks in Saudi Arabia between US and Ukrainian officials to discuss a possible peace diplomacy with Russia.
According to the Russian defense authorities, 337 of the Ukrainian drones have been destroyed, with 91 intercepting the Moscow region. Two lives were lost, 18 people were injured and widespread traffic disruptions occurred after the attack. At the same time, Ukraine shot down 114 Russian drones in another round of nighttime attacks on its cities.
The assault came on the same day as high-stakes diplomatic talks in Jeddah. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussed possible concessions to Ukrainians for a deal that would impose a ceasefire. But relations soured recently after President Donald Trump suspended U.S. military aid for Ukraine and asked Kyiv to yield. 
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pressed for backing from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, his leave just before real U.S.-Ukraine talks signified climbing apprehensions. Western allies however appear dubious of Washington’s geopolitical flip-flop with European leaders condemning Trump’s perceived softening on Russia.
Ukrainian drone attack, from a military analyst perspective, was choice to boost negotiating position, prove that Ukraine is unbeaten even when losing backing of U.S. But with Russian forces pushing against the borders with counter-attacks it is unsure if a lasting solution will ever be found.
As the world watches, the balance between diplomacy and warfare teeters on a knife’s edge.
