Kyiv, Ukraine, November 11: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has seen a surge in hostilities, as both sides launched extensive drone attacks over the weekend in what analysts suggest is an attempt to gain strategic leverage before the incoming US administration aims to mediate the situation. According to Al Jazeera, Moscow and Kyiv have significantly escalated their air assaults, with hundreds of drones deployed.
On November 10, CNN reported that Russia initiated a major drone offensive, deploying 145 drones towards Ukraine. In response, Ukraine launched a counter-strike with 34 drones directed at Moscow, all of which, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence, were intercepted by Russian air defenses in the Moscow region.
The governor of the Moscow region, Andrey Vorobyov, confirmed that the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were intercepted and neutralized over Moscow’s Ramenskoye, Kolomna, and Domodedovo districts.
Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump reportedly held his first post-election phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging caution and restraint. According to The Washington Post, Trump, who took the call from his Mar-a-Lago residence, advised Putin not to escalate hostilities, and he reminded him of America’s strong military presence in Europe.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to bring an end to the conflict swiftly, although he has not detailed his approach. Sources familiar with the recent call suggested that Trump hinted at a potential agreement allowing Russia to retain certain disputed territories, though specifics were not discussed.
While both the Kremlin and the White House have yet to officially confirm the contents of the call, analysts suggest Trump’s diplomatic efforts could signal a turning point, setting the stage for an eventual peace resolution early next year.
