Russia sharply escalated its drone strikes on Ukraine after U.S.-Russia talks began on Feb. 18, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.
In the 30 days following the start of negotiations, Russian forces launched roughly 4,776 drone attacks — up from 3,148 in the 30 days prior.
Experts say Moscow is intensifying its assault to seize more territory and pressure Kyiv into concessions.
The Telegraph reported Ukraine is increasingly struggling to intercept Russian missiles, leading to more civilian casualties and damage.
“Russia is trying to increase the pain it is inflicting on Ukraine,” said Daniel Byman, director of the Program on War, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
He said the goal is to push Ukraine into agreeing to painful compromises while signaling Russia is prepared for a prolonged conflict.
The data shows Ukraine was hit by an average of 101 drone attacks per day before the Feb. 18 meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After the meeting, that number jumped to 154 — a 52.5% increase.
The Telegraph also noted that the surge in strikes coincided with President Donald Trump’s criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office and a pause in U.S. intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
Analysts say Russia’s drone attacks have become larger and more effective due to evolving tactics.
The report also noted that on the eve of the first round of talks between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Russia launched 176 drones during a single overnight assault.