Ukraine Launches Nearly 1,200 Drones at Russia as Peace Talks Expand to European Security

Ukraine launched almost 1,200 drones at Russian targets overnight in one of the largest aerial attacks since Moscow's full-scale invasion began nearly five years ago, according to reports from Kyiv. The large-scale operation marks a significant escalation in the conflict even as diplomatic efforts to end the fighting continue in parallel.

The attack came as US and Russian negotiators expanded their discussions to include broader European security arrangements that have been in place since the end of the Cold War. The move, long sought by Moscow, has raised concerns among European leaders about the future role of NATO and the continent's security framework.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pushed back on the expanded agenda, stating that the existing security architecture does not need renegotiation. His remarks reflected growing unease in Europe over the direction of the talks and Russia's intentions regarding the continent's defense arrangements.

The diplomatic push followed two days of talks involving Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Abu Dhabi this week. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner then traveled to brief Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was meeting with European leaders in Dublin, Ireland. Kushner indicated that Russia has agreed to include Europe in upcoming discussions, a shift from Moscow's earlier insistence that European governments be excluded.

However, European officials remain cautious about Russian maneuvering and the prospect of negotiations expanding beyond a cease-fire. The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, warned that discussing Russia's proposals on security architecture risks falling into traps set by Moscow. She stressed that Europe must insist on a cease-fire before taking negotiations further.

More talks are planned as negotiators seek a breakthrough in peace efforts, with the scope of discussions now extending to postwar European security arrangements alongside territorial issues between Ukraine and Russia.