Russia launches massive assault on Ukraine as peace efforts drag on

Russia launched one of its biggest aerial attacks of the year on Ukraine overnight as diplomatic efforts drag on to end the war which is now in its fourth year.

Ukrainian officials on Thursday said Russia had fired 574 drones and 40 ballistic and cruise missiles into the country.

They say the assault mostly targeted western regions of Ukraine where much of the military aid provided by Kyiv’s Western allies is believed to be delivered…