Ukraine strikes Moscow as ceasefire negotiations approach

Department of Research, Studies and International News 11-03-2025

A wave of Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Moscow in the early hours of the morning, marking one of the largest such offensives in recent months. The assault resulted in at least one fatality, multiple injuries, and disruptions to air travel, highlighting the intensifying conflict between the two nations. The attack occurred just as Ukraine prepared to engage in ceasefire discussions with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, adding a new layer of tension to ongoing diplomatic efforts.

A Devastating Drone Offensive

Moscow officials confirmed that more than 90 drones were launched toward the Russian capital, forcing authorities to activate emergency response measures. Andrei Vorobyov, governor of the Moscow region, reported that a resident lost their life and three others sustained injuries as a result of the strike. The attack, which began at approximately 4:00 AM local time (01:00 GMT), inflicted severe damage on multiple residential buildings, particularly in the Ramenskoye district.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence later released a statement asserting that its air defense systems had successfully neutralized 337 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 91 directed toward Moscow. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the attack as a “massive offensive by enemy drones,” emphasizing that Russia’s air defense forces worked relentlessly to repel the assault. Reports indicated that drones were intercepted over Ramenskoye and Domodedovo, two districts situated approximately 40 to 50 kilometers from the Kremlin.

In response to the drone strike, Russia’s federal aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, announced temporary restrictions on flights at several major Moscow airports. Air traffic was suspended at Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, and Sheremetyevo airports, with authorities citing security concerns. The temporary shutdowns affected both domestic and international flights, underscoring the attack’s significant impact on daily operations in the capital.

Kyiv’s Silence Amid Ceasefire Talks with Washington

The Ukrainian government did not immediately issue a statement regarding the drone operation. However, the timing of the attack coincided with upcoming ceasefire discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. The high-stakes meeting is expected to address potential conditions for de-escalation and explore possible diplomatic solutions to the ongoing war.

Among the U.S. representatives attending the negotiations are Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz. This meeting marks the most senior-level engagement between Washington and Kyiv since the controversial February 28 White House meeting, during which Trump openly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for allegedly failing to express sufficient gratitude for American military aid.

Since that encounter, U.S. support for Ukraine has undergone a dramatic shift. In an effort to push Kyiv toward peace negotiations, Washington has temporarily halted military assistance, intelligence-sharing, and access to satellite reconnaissance data. The Biden administration’s strategic pivot signals a recalibration of U.S. policy regarding its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The fallout from the February meeting was further exacerbated when Zelenskyy refused to sign a proposed agreement that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources as partial compensation for past military aid. Following this standoff, the Ukrainian leader reportedly penned a conciliatory letter to Trump, seeking to mend diplomatic ties.

Despite the tensions, Zelenskyy traveled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday evening to engage in preliminary discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, he delegated Tuesday’s crucial ceasefire negotiations to three top aides, underscoring the complexity of Ukraine’s diplomatic maneuvering.

Saudi Arabia’s Potential Mediation Role

In his meeting with bin Salman, Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine’s key demands for any lasting peace settlement, particularly the release of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children allegedly taken to Russia. The Ukrainian president’s office later issued a statement confirming that the two leaders explored Saudi Arabia’s potential role as a mediator in the ongoing crisis.

“The leaders exchanged views on security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future conflicts,” the statement read, indicating that discussions extended beyond immediate ceasefire terms to broader security concerns. The meeting also touched on humanitarian issues, with both parties considering mechanisms for repatriating Ukrainian civilians and military personnel detained by Russia.