Ukrainian Drone Strikes Kill 3 in Russian Industrial Regions Amid Russia-US Talks

Ahead of the upcoming summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, Russia has significantly reduced drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, possibly to avoid escalating tensions before negotiations. Despite this lull, Ukraine reports that Russia is stockpiling a large reserve of drones and missiles, potentially preparing for a massive strike involving up to a thousand drones if talks fail. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks have intensified in Russia's Tula and Nizhny Novgorod regions, targeting critical military-industrial sites such as missile component plants, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. Russian air defenses have intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones, including those targeting Moscow, underscoring the escalating drone warfare between the two nations. Both sides maintain that civilian areas are not deliberate targets, even as the conflict continues to produce significant destruction and casualties. The diplomatic atmosphere remains tense, with both Russia and Ukraine preparing for difficult negotiations and European leaders backing Ukraine’s stance against Russian territorial claims.