ISTANBUL, Jun 02 (Alliance News): On the eve of the second round of peace talks in Istanbul, Ukraine and Russia dramatically escalated their conflict with one of the largest drone battles so far, including a devastating attack on a Russian highway bridge over a passenger train and a bold strike on nuclear-capable Russian bombers deep in Siberia.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov is scheduled to meet Russian officials Monday in hopes of progressing peace discussions, after the initial talks more than a week ago resulted in a large prisoner exchange but no breakthrough on ending hostilities.
The recent spike in violence saw a highway bridge in Russia’s Bryansk region blown up, killing at least seven and injuring 69 passengers on a train bound for Moscow. Responsibility for the attack remains unclear.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces targeted Russian long-range bombers at an airbase over 4,300 kilometers from the front lines, marking an unprecedented reach. Explosive drones were reportedly hidden inside wooden sheds and transported to the airbase perimeter, damaging 41 Russian warplanes.
Russia’s defence ministry confirmed Ukrainian drone strikes on military airfields across five regions, acknowledging fires in two locations but stating they were extinguished with no casualties.
Russian forces also claimed advances in Ukraine’s Sumy region, seizing 450 square kilometers of territory in May, the fastest monthly gain in half a year.
Overnight, Russia launched a record 472 drones and seven missiles against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian air force reports.
US President Donald Trump has urged both sides to make peace and warned of potentially withdrawing support, pressing European nations to bear greater responsibility for the conflict.
The talks in Turkey will involve exchanging peace proposals, but after three years of intense fighting, the gap between Moscow and Kyiv remains wide.
Ukraine’s peace roadmap reportedly rejects Russian claims over occupied regions and insists on no restrictions on its military strength post-agreement, while negotiations would start from current front lines. Russia controls roughly one fifth of Ukraine’s territory, comparable in size to the US state of Ohio.
