Ukraine Destroyed All 10 Russian Attack Drones: Air Defense Successfully Intercepted the Attack
On the evening of May 12, Ukrainian air defense forces successfully repelled a massive attack by Russian troops, shooting down all ten unmanned aerial vehicles used by the attackers to target Ukrainian territory. According to information published by the Ukrainian Air Force Command in Telegram, all drones of the Shahed type, as well as various model decoy drones used in this attack, were destroyed either during their approach or at the final stage of their flight toward the target objects. The source added that "all 10 Russian drones were successfully neutralized by Ukraine's air defense," demonstrating the high effectiveness of Ukraine’s protective measures. This attack was one of many attempts by Russia to increase pressure on Ukrainian defenses amid ongoing efforts to seek a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. The background to this situation includes the lack of response from the Kremlin to Ukraine's earlier proposal for a thirty-day ceasefire conditioned on de-escalation. Meanwhile, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin announced that he is inclined toward "direct negotiations" with Kyiv and has scheduled a personal meeting in Istanbul on May 15 to discuss possible pathways to resolution. On the other hand, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly commented on the situation, strongly opposing the proposal and, despite Kremlin disapproval of a three-day ceasefire, called on Ukraine to "immediately engage in direct negotiations with Russia" in Istanbul. He emphasized that the United States supports any diplomatic efforts to end the bloodshed. Trump also stated that if necessary, he is willing to personally participate in the negotiations and travel to Turkey to help expedite the process. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his readiness for a face-to-face meeting with the Russian leader to discuss conflict resolution options. He expressed hope that such a meeting could take place and noted his willingness to personally participate in negotiations in Istanbul on May 15, stressing that it is very important for Ukraine that key international mediators, including Washington, join the talks. Meanwhile, on the evening of May 12, Ukraine confirmed that Russian shelling and assaults on Ukrainian positions continue unabated, despite active planning related to the upcoming meeting in Turkey. Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv remains open to diplomacy but noted that Moscow has still not officially responded to Ukraine’s proposal for a direct negotiation meeting. These actions create a tense atmosphere around the possibility of a diplomatic resolution and highlight the unpredictability and complexity of the situation surrounding the Russia-Ukraine confrontation.