Russia taking measures to mitigate drone strikes, Kremlin says

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that Moscow is implementing comprehensive measures to counter ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks, as the conflict enters a new phase of aerial warfare targeting Russian territory. Peskov told reporters that President Vladimir Putin receives regular operational briefings on all incidents, adding that Russia would continue conducting strikes against targets in Ukraine.

Moscow dismisses European negotiation tactics

Peskov sharply criticized European diplomatic approaches during the briefing, asserting that attempts to negotiate with Moscow from a position of strength would "lead nowhere" and characterizing Ukraine's current policy line as "not a line for negotiations" amid predictions that the frontline situation would soon become "completely catastrophic" for Kyiv. "Europeans have a profound misconception: they assume that negotiations with Russia must be conducted from a position of strength and based on Russia's weakness," he stated.

"This is a grave mistake, and whether it stems from European incompetence, misinformation, or stupidity — we don't know for sure, but it's a fact," Peskov added, though he noted that maintaining contacts with the European Union remains necessary to address outstanding issues. "It would be good for them to become familiar with the real state of affairs, including in the Ukrainian conflict," he said.

Overnight assault

Russia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting 555 Ukrainian drones during a massive overnight assault on Thursday, according to official statements. Ukraine meanwhile claimed to have struck the Moscow Oil Refinery, a target confirmed by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin in a separate statement, as both sides intensify long-range strike operations.