Ukraine launches nearly 1,200 drones at Russia as US-led talks expand to European security

Ukraine launched nearly 1,200 drones at Russian targets overnight in one of its largest aerial attacks of the war, while U.S.-led talks expanded to include broader European security arrangements, alarming European leaders about NATO's future role. Russia's Defense Ministry said air defenses downed 1,198 Ukrainian long-range drones, though strikes on three Russian regions killed seven people and wounded 17. U.S. envoys briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after talks in Abu Dhabi, with Russia agreeing to include European representatives in upcoming negotiations. European leaders expressed concern over Moscow's push to reshape post-Cold War security architecture, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisting NATO remains the sole framework. Ukraine also reported SpaceX speed restrictions on its Starshield system limiting drone operations, while Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure caused widespread power outages across half the country's regions.