Ukraine’s air force shot down ten drones launched by Russia overnight, in a clear sign that tensions remain high. The incident came just hours before Germany issued a final warning to Moscow, threatening tougher sanctions unless Russia agrees to a ceasefire.
Ten Drones Intercepted Overnight
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Ukraine successfully intercepted and destroyed all ten drones launched by Russia. According to the Ukrainian air force, the drones were aimed at strategic targets but were neutralized before reaching any of them.
This drone attack is the latest in a long line of assaults as Russia continues its military operations against Ukraine. No damage or injuries were reported, thanks to Ukraine’s well-coordinated air defense systems.
“All enemy drones were eliminated before they could pose any threat,” said a Ukrainian military spokesperson.
Germany Gives Russia Midnight Deadline
On Monday, Germany warned that it would introduce tougher sanctions if Russia failed to accept a ceasefire by midnight. The warning came from government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius, who confirmed that Berlin is working closely with other European Union countries.
“The clock is ticking — we still have 12 hours left,” Kornelius said during a press conference.
The warning followed Russia’s rejection of a 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposal made by the United States in March. That proposal aimed to halt hostilities and open a path for diplomatic talks.
Peace Talks Planned But Uncertainty Remains
While Russia has agreed to attend peace talks later this week, it has not confirmed any terms or conditions. The Kremlin has remained silent on key issues, including a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
President Zelenskyy posted on social media that Russian attacks continued throughout the day, including artillery shelling and ground assaults. He called the Kremlin’s silence “very strange” given the serious nature of the ongoing war.
Zelenskyy Supports Trump’s Ceasefire Push
In a surprising twist, Zelenskyy expressed support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for a “full and unconditional ceasefire.” Trump also suggested that he might personally attend the upcoming summit in Istanbul, where Russia and Ukraine are expected to meet.
The former president, who is currently in the Gulf region, said he is optimistic about the chances of making progress during the talks. His possible presence at the summit could add international weight to the negotiations.
“We welcome any serious effort to stop the war and begin real peace talks,” Zelenskyy said.
Pressure Mounts on Moscow
With mounting global pressure and renewed efforts to secure a ceasefire, Moscow now faces critical decisions. Germany’s sanctions warning adds to existing economic and diplomatic pressure on Russia.
If no agreement is reached, the European Union may impose new financial restrictions, trade limits, and asset freezes. These steps could further isolate Russia from the international community.
The situation remains tense, with more drone strikes, artillery attacks, and political negotiations expected in the days ahead. The scheduled summit in Istanbul may offer a rare opportunity for direct dialogue, but many uncertainties remain.
For now, Ukraine continues to defend its airspace and calls for international support to stop the violence. As peace efforts gather momentum, the world watches closely to see whether Russia will respond to growing demands for a ceasefire.