Odessa region hit by Russian drone attack [Photo courtesy of AFP News]

Ukraine was hit by a large-scale Russian drone attack on the 12th (local time), resulting in numerous casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media that day, "At least 800 Russian drones were launched after midnight, and six people died."

Russia's drone attacks typically involve 200 to 300 units, but this attack was three times the usual number.

The Russian drones reportedly targeted 20 regions of Ukraine. In addition to the fatalities, dozens of people, including children, were injured, according to local authorities. Two Naftogaz facilities in Kharkiv and Zhytomyr were also damaged.

President Zelensky criticized, "One of Russia's massive attacks occurred at the time when U.S. President Donald Trump was visiting China. This can by no means be considered a coincidence."

This large-scale attack came shortly after the United States and Russia discussed an end to the war one after another.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at a Victory Day press conference on the 9th that the war in Ukraine was nearing its end. U.S. President Trump also claimed before leaving for Beijing, China, the previous day that a resolution to the Ukraine war was close.

There are significant concerns within Ukraine that President Trump, facing difficulties in negotiations with Iran, might get closer to President Putin and attempt a deal favorable to Russia.

Ukraine is also wary of the possibility that the U.S. may pursue a hasty peace plan that omits security guarantees for Ukraine.