Ukraine launches heavy drone attack during peace talks
The European security order is now also on the agenda in talks between Russia and the United States.
There is news on this story (Saturday, 14 November 2026, 13:00): Ukraine and Russia discuss exchange of thousands of prisoners
Follow-up to: Five countries and EU to represent Europe in Ukraine talks Friday, 13 November 2026, 19:13
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Ukraine sent nearly 1,200 drones towards targets in Russia overnight from Thursday to Friday. At the same time, American and Russian negotiators added the European security order to talks on ending the war.
According to news agency AP, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that 1,198 Ukrainian long-range drones had been shot down. Russian regional governors reported seven deaths and seventeen injuries from attacks in three regions. Those figures have not been independently verified.
Ukraine’s general staff said that an oil refinery in Volgograd had been hit and caught fire. Ukraine has attacked Russian refineries before, but the extent of the damage in this attack has not been established by an independent source.
According to AP, the attack came after American and Russian delegations had held talks in Abu Dhabi for two days. The agency reports that American envoys then briefed President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin. According to AP, the negotiators are now discussing broader arrangements for the European security architecture alongside the direct conflict.
The issue is particularly important because Russia wants to challenge NATO’s position. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, according to AP, that a European security structure already exists: NATO. European countries are involved in the talks, but do not have full control over the American-Russian discussions.
According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia also attacked Ukraine with 117 drones that same night. Ukrainian authorities said at least two people were killed. A Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia hit two blocks of flats and injured thirty people, including six children, according to local authorities.
The latest developments mainly show that military pressure and diplomacy are continuing simultaneously. There is no indication that the talks have already led to a ceasefire. Claims about drones shot down, damage and military successes largely come from parties to the conflict and should therefore be read with caution.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The talks between American and Russian delegations also cover the European security order.
- Ukraine and Russia carried out large-scale drone attacks during the same period.
- European countries are involved in the diplomatic process, but are not the only parties to the talks.
Left
Arguments Ukraine’s and Europe’s security must not be determined without Ukraine and European countries themselves. An agreement that recognises Russian spheres of influence could encourage future aggression.
Values The international legal order, the protection of civilians and self-determination.
Consequences A swift but unbalanced agreement could bring a temporary end to the conflict, but cause new instability.
Centre
Arguments A lasting agreement requires both military deterrence and diplomacy. European countries must have influence, but must also be prepared to take responsibility for security and implementation.
Values Institutional stability, practicability and compromise.
Consequences Broader talks could increase the chance of compliance, but make decision-making more complicated.
Right
Arguments Europe must strengthen its own defence and not become fully dependent on American guarantees. At the same time, Russia must be made clear that border changes achieved through force will not be rewarded.
Values National security, deterrence and responsibility.
Consequences Higher European defence spending could increase security, but also raise tensions and costs.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s core is based on recent reporting by AP and Reuters. Claims by Russian and Ukrainian authorities are attributed as such.
- confirmed Ukraine launched nearly 1,200 drones at targets in Russia. — AP cites Russia’s Defence Ministry as reporting 1,198 drones. source
- confirmed The talks also cover the European security architecture. — AP describes this as an expansion of the agenda. source
- confirmed At least two people were killed in Russian attacks in Ukraine. — AP attributes this to Ukrainian authorities. source
Editor's note
The drone figures and damage estimates come from parties involved in the conflict and have not all been independently confirmed. AP has confirmed the diplomatic agenda.Sources
The story so far
- Thursday, 12 November 2026, 20:48 European leaders discuss role in peace talks
- Thursday, 12 November 2026, 22:48 Zelensky discusses support and peace talks in Dublin
- Friday, 13 November 2026, 01:49 Europe may join next Ukraine talks
- Friday, 13 November 2026, 19:13 Five countries and EU to represent Europe in Ukraine talks
- Saturday, 14 November 2026, 10:45 Ukraine launches heavy drone attack during peace talks (this article)
- Saturday, 14 November 2026, 13:00 Ukraine and Russia discuss exchange of thousands of prisoners
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