Ukraine: Russia launches major drone assault amid Czech President's visit

Russia unleashed one of its most intense drone barrages on Ukraine’s Black Sea city of Odesa late on Thursday, injuring three teenagers and igniting multiple fires, Ukrainian officials reported. The attack coincided with a visit by Czech President Petr Pavel, a staunch supporter of Kyiv.

The strike occurred as the United States works to broker a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, aiming to establish a partial ceasefire that would prevent both nations from targeting energy infrastructure.

Pavel, who has played a key role in securing over a million artillery shells for Ukraine’s war effort, was in Odesa for discussions with local leaders when the assault took place. "Remarkably, the enemy launched a massive attack on the Odesa region precisely during our meeting," governor Oleh Kiper stated on Telegram.

According to Ukraine’s interior ministry, waves of long-range drones descended on the city, inflicting damage on residential areas, commercial establishments, and infrastructure. The assault also sparked several fires, including one at an auto repair shop where about 25 vehicles were set ablaze.

"We were helpless, just standing there watching as everything burned. I’m in complete shock," said Inna, the shop’s owner, speaking to Reuters.

Military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko told Reuters that Russia employed a new strategy during the attack, deploying drones from higher altitudes at increased speeds to outmaneuver Ukraine’s air defenses.

He described the assault as one of the largest on Odesa since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, labelling it an act of "intimidation and terror against civilians."

On Friday, Russia and Ukraine accused one another of striking a key Russian gas pumping and measuring station in Russia’s Kursk region, an area recently recaptured by Moscow’s forces.

Russia alleged that Ukraine deliberately destroyed the facility in an act of terrorism, while Kyiv denied involvement, claiming Russian forces shelled the site in a staged provocation.

Both nations have reportedly signalled, in separate discussions with US officials, a willingness to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. However, Russia has dismissed the prospect of a broader 30-day ceasefire.

Delegates from Ukraine, the US, and Russia are set to convene in Saudi Arabia on Monday to further negotiate the details of the agreement.

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched a total of 214 drones overnight, though it did not specify how many targeted Odesa. Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down 114 drones, while another 81 were neutralised through electronic warfare.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued using drones to strike inside Russian territory, recently targeting oil facilities and a strategic bomber base.

With agency inputs