Russia has executed its most extensive drone assault on Ukraine since the onset of its invasion, launching a staggering 741 drones on March 6, 2024. This unprecedented aerial attack occurred just hours after US President Donald Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Cabinet meeting, where he expressed frustration over Moscow’s lack of commitment to peace negotiations.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, this assault surpassed the previous record of 539 drones set on July 4, 2023. Despite the scale of the attack, the damage was reportedly limited, with no immediate reports of casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the assault as a “demonstrative attack,” emphasizing that it occurs amidst ongoing efforts for peace. He stated on Telegram, “Our partners know how to apply pressure so that Russia will be forced to think about ending the war, not new strikes. Everyone who wants peace must act.”
The drone barrage targeted the city of Lutsk in northwestern Ukraine, prompting the Polish military to scramble aircraft in response to the intensity of the assault. Ivan Rudnitskyi, head of the military administration in the Volyn region, confirmed on Telegram that “virtually everything was flying towards Lutsk.” The Ukrainian Air Force reported that they successfully destroyed 718 of the attacking drones, while several buildings caught fire during the onslaught.
In a reciprocal action, Ukraine launched 86 drones towards Russia overnight, as confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense. This latest strike by Russia follows a period of intensified aerial attacks on various Ukrainian cities, raising concerns over the ongoing hostilities.
The escalation comes on the heels of remarks made by Trump, where he expressed his intention to bolster military support for Ukraine. “We get a lot of bullsh*t thrown at us by Putin,” Trump remarked, underscoring his disappointment with the Russian leader’s approach to peace talks. He pledged to restore military aid to Ukraine following a recent pause in weapons shipments, which included vital air defense missiles.
“We’re going to send some more weapons to Ukraine,” Trump declared during a statement on March 4, 2024. “They have to be able to defend themselves. They’re getting hit very hard.” This commitment aligns with the Pentagon’s announcement that, at Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense would send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth did not consult Trump before pausing the shipment of weapons last week, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community watches closely, with both military and diplomatic actions shaping the future of the region. The urgent need for enhanced air defense capabilities in Ukraine is underscored by these recent developments, particularly as the country faces ongoing aerial threats from Russia.
