Russian drone strikes prove Moscow's lack of peaceful intent, says Zelenskyy

Ukraine's president has accused Russia of being insincere about making peace as he reported an attack by 117 drones, on his way to Paris for a discussion with EU and Nato leaders about establishing a post-conflict security force.

- Dan Sabbagh

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that launching nationwide strikes following negotiations over maritime and energy ceasefires was proof of Russia's true intentions, though the Kremlin insisted the US-brokered talks were proceeding constructively.

Four people were reported killed and six injured across Ukraine by regional governors overnight, while the country's air force said it shot down 56 of the 117 incoming drones and another 48 were decoys that caused no damage.

"Last night, there were another 117 proofs in our skies of how Russia continues to drag out this war," Zelenskyy posted on X. "Launching such large-scale attacks after ceasefire negotiations is a clear signal to the whole world that Moscow is not going to pursue real peace."

Russia's defence ministry countered by saying that Ukraine had sought to strike Russian energy facilities overnight, targeting a gas storage site in occupied Crimea and electricity transmission in the border region of Bryansk.