Successful defense

Ukrainian air force reports shooting down 35 drones

The Ukrainian air force was able to intercept or destroy 35 of 39 Russian drones. (archive picture)

(Bild: AP (Archivbild))

The Ukrainian military has reported that it repelled a large-scale Russian attack with combat drones on Sunday night. Of 39 approaching drones, 35 were intercepted. Meanwhile, Pope Francis has caused a stir with a statement. Ukraine should "negotiate before things get worse".

The targets of the attack were the east and south of Ukraine. No information was given about possible damage or casualties. Air force commander Mykola Oleshchuk wrote: "I thank everyone who achieved this result."

The Iranian-made Shahed drones were launched from the Russian coast of the Sea of Azov and from the annexed Crimean peninsula.

Remains of an Iranian-made Shahed drone

(Bild: AFP)

No injuries reported
According to the military, one of the enemy drones struck an industrial building in the Odessa region in the south. No one was injured. A power line was damaged in the Mykolaiv region.

Russia also fired four S-300 anti-aircraft missiles. The Ukrainian air force has left open whether these reached their targets or were intercepted.

Russia reports downing of Ukrainian fighter jet
The war opponent announced on Saturday that it had shot down a Ukrainian jet. The state news agency RIA Novosti reported that it was a MiG-29 that had been hit over the Donetsk region.

The air defense in the southern Russian city of Taganrog on the Sea of Azov also reported repelling a massive drone attack on Saturday night. Car traffic across the Crimean bridge was temporarily interrupted.

When you see that you are being defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate. Don't be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse.

Papst Franziskus

Pope: Kiev should have the courage to "white flag"
Meanwhile, the pontiff has called on Ukraine to have the courage to "white flag" and negotiate an end to the war with Russia. "I think that the strongest is the one who looks at the situation, thinks of the people and has the courage of the white flag and negotiates," he said, adding that the talks should take place with the help of international powers.

"Don't be ashamed to negotiate!"
 "When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you must have the courage to negotiate," he said. "Don't be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse." When asked if he was prepared to mediate, Francis replied, "I am here".

Poland's foreign minister sharply criticizes statement
"How about encouraging Putin to have the courage to withdraw his army from Ukraine as compensation? Then peace would return immediately without the need for negotiations," criticized Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.