Russia says war 'must continue' after Ukraine's 'massive' drone attack on Moscow

The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, declared that Russia's war against Ukraine must continue in order to safeguard the nation from potential threats following a reported Ukrainian drone assault on Moscow during the Russia-Africa Summit. This statement was made on October 29, as Ukraine, Russia, and the United States gear up for another series of trilateral negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. have yet to settle on a date for the upcoming meeting.

According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, an estimated 613 Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow overnight on October 28-29. Peskov stated that while Russia's air defense systems are functioning effectively, the recent drone attack demonstrates that the situation remains precarious and that the war must persist to protect against ongoing threats.

Peskov also expressed surprise at Ukraine's decision to conduct such a large-scale drone attack on the Russian capital, particularly given the global summit taking place in Moscow. There have been no reported casualties or damages reported by Russian authorities. The Russia-Africa Summit is currently underway at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, uniting delegations and representatives from 48 African countries.

The Kremlin's comments come as diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine remain uncertain. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov mentioned on October 28 that the commencement of the planned trilateral talks between the three nations would depend on the battlefield situation. The summit was originally scheduled to commence in October, following visits from U.S. President Donald Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Ukraine and Russia, which resulted in an agreement in principle to hold trilateral discussions.

However, Russia subsequently declined to participate, accusing Ukraine of launching strikes on election day, September 20.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated on October 28 that he anticipates the negotiations to occur in mid-November, though Washington has yet to confirm a specific date. These talks follow a renewed push by the United States to revive negotiations. Russia has consistently rejected Western-backed proposals for a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine has endorsed, while persistently demanding that Ukraine relinquish control over the Donbas region.