Russia conducted its largest drone attack on Ukraine to date, deploying a staggering 741 drones, according to Ukrainian officials. This unprecedented assault occurred shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced increased military assistance for Ukraine and criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for his lack of commitment in peace negotiations.
The attack took place on March 13, 2024, targeting the city of Lutsk in northwestern Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that it successfully intercepted and destroyed 718 of the drones. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant injuries, although several buildings sustained damage and caught fire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as a “demonstrative” show of force from Russia at a time when diplomatic efforts for peace were ongoing. He emphasized the need for international partners to exert pressure on Russia to reconsider its military strategies. In a statement on Telegram, Zelensky said, “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 scale of the drone assault prompted Poland to scramble its military aircraft as a precaution, highlighting the heightened tensions in the region. Ivan Rudnitskyi, head of the military administration in the Volyn region, noted, “Last night, our region was again subjected to a mass attack. Virtually everything was flying towards Lutsk.”
In a related development, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukraine launched 86 drones targeting Russia overnight, indicating a reciprocal escalation in hostilities.
The drone strike follows a tumultuous period in U.S. politics, where President Trump expressed frustration over Putin’s approach to peace discussions during a Cabinet meeting. “We get a lot of bullsh*t thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth,” Trump stated. He reaffirmed his commitment to restoring military aid to Ukraine, stressing the importance of defensive support.
Trump’s comments came after indications that some U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles, would be paused. In response, he announced plans to send additional military resources to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against ongoing Russian attacks. “We’re going to send some more weapons,” Trump said. “They have to be able to defend themselves.”
A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that, under Trump’s directive, the Department of Defense will provide more defensive weapons to Ukraine while working towards a lasting peace agreement. The swift increase in military support reflects the urgent need for Ukraine to enhance its defensive capabilities amidst the escalating conflict.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, awaiting further responses from both U.S. and Ukrainian officials regarding future military strategies and diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis.
