Amidst a major drone attack on a Russian airfield and a summit in Switzerland to address the Ukraine conflict, tensions between Ukraine and Russia soar as world leaders gather to pressure Russia to cease its war efforts.
Ukraine executed a major drone attack on the Morosovsk Airfield in Russia’s Rostov region, 150 miles from front lines. The airfield, used for Russian bombings since the 2022 invasion, houses Su-27 and Su-34 fighter-bombers. Ukrainian military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov reported at least 70 drones were involved, though damage to aircraft remains unclear. This follows an April 5 strike that reportedly destroyed six warplanes.
Simultaneously, world leaders convened in Switzerland for a summit aimed at pressuring Russia to end its war in Ukraine. The absence of key Moscow allies like China is expected to limit its impact. The summit focuses on broader concerns triggered by the conflict, such as food and nuclear security, with a draft declaration identifying Russia as the aggressor.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated demands for Ukraine to drop NATO ambitions and cede four provinces, which Kyiv rejected. Switzerland aims to pave the way for a future peace process including Russia, but geopolitical splits challenge the event. Approximately 90 countries and organizations are participating. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and leaders from major European and Asian countries are attending, while Russia called the summit “futile.”
European officials acknowledge the limited impact without Moscow’s main allies. Events in Lucerne will draw attention to humanitarian aspects, calling for the return of prisoners and children taken to Russia.
