Russia has battered Ukraine overnight with its largest drone attack since the war began, Ukraine’s military said Sunday, as Moscow intensified its military assault despite holding direct peace talks with Kyiv Friday.

Vladimir Putin stated Russia's aim to eliminate the causes of the Ukraine war and ensure Russia's security, coinciding with a record drone attack on Ukraine. Despite recent diplomatic talks in Istanbul,

Russia carried out its largest single drone attack since the start of its full-scale invasion, launching 273 drones overnight on May 18, Ukraine's Air Force reported. The attack comes just two days after Ukraine and Russia held their first direct peace talks since 2022,