Russia escalates drone attacks as transport minister is dismissed

In Ukraine, a significant escalation in Russia's drone and missile attacks has occurred over the past week, with Ukrainian officials reporting the firing of approximately 1,270 drones, 39 missiles, and nearly 1,000 glide bombs. These attacks have primarily targeted civilian areas, leading to tragic losses including at least 10 civilian deaths and 38 injuries, including minors. The heightened activity aligns with a backdrop of intensified combat along the front lines, where Russia seeks to press advancements against stretched Ukrainian forces. Concurrently, the Kremlin announced the dismissal of Transport Minister Roman Starovoyt after chaotic travel disruptions caused by the threat of Ukrainian drone retaliation, which included the cancellation of hundreds of flights. The Russian military also stated it shot down 91 Ukrainian drones in various regions during this period, highlighting the ongoing aerial battle between both countries. The frequency and intensity of these attacks have increased as tensions continue amid attempts at international negotiations and support for Ukraine's defense capabilities, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizing the role of drones in mitigating troop shortages on the front lines and bolstering national defense efforts. Ukrainian leaders are actively engaging with European allies and defense companies to ramp up domestic drone production to meet the high demands of their ongoing conflict, demonstrating the strategic importance of these aerial tactics in modern warfare.