Putin hits Ukraine with 450 drone strikes in 48 hours 3 years since invasion as leaders gather in shadow of peace talks

VLADIMIR Putin has blitzed Ukraine with the biggest drone attack of the war so far with 450 bombs in just 48 hours.

It comes exactly three years since Russian troops crossed the border and invaded the country with world leaders gathering in Kyiv on Monday to mark the occasion.

Russia sent 267 Shahed drones and UAVs on Saturday and 185 more on Sunday, the Ukrainian Air Force claimed.

But the brave defenders managed to shoot down 138 on the Saturday and and 113 on the Sunday - with 201 getting through the defences and hitting Ukraine.

Mad Vlad's drones struck a port south of Odessa with footage showing a huge fireball erupting.

Ukrainian defenders also sent bright orange tracer bullets and missile defence systems into the sky as they brought down the attacking Russian drones.

Unfortunately, some drones were able to get through and hit buildings - with Ukrainian firefighters having to put out blazes.

Russian sources also said missiles had been fired from Crimea against targets in the Odessa region.

The massive attack came just before Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Ukrainians for their "bravery and sacrifice" in an emotional video tribute to his nation on Monday morning.

The valiant leader shared a patriotic clip of his courageous soldiers fighting the invading Russians and civilians pulling together to mark the third anniversary of the invasion.

Set to stirring music, Zelensky shared footage of fearless Ukrainian troops fighting over the course of the three years and thanked them.

The clip also shows civilians protesting against Russia, doctors in surgery, and firefighters in bombed-out buildings.

Zelensky says: "Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude.

"Three years of support. Three years of unity. Three years of assistance.

"Thank you for these three years of us standing together in defense of our state and our people.

"Thank you for every battle Ukraine has won.

"Thank you for every position that we - all Ukrainians - have secured.

"Thank you for our contribution to our shared future.

"Thank you to our warriors for their bravery - you are the best in the world."

"Three years of full-scale war is a very long time, but the Ukrainian people have defended their right to independence and to a state of their own."

The clip begins with shocking footage from the start of the conflict of Russian helicopters flying into Ukraine.

But it quickly shifts to Ukrainians tanks blasting the Russian column that tried to storm Kyiv.

Brave Zelensky also hails the strength of Ukrainian civilians who have pulled together to support the war effort and continue their lives as Russia tries to destroy their country.

The clip shows Ukrainian footballers and athletes competing at the Olympics and beating Russians under the neutral flag.

Mechanics, factory workers, and drone-makers are all shown in the clip for their important contribution to the war effort.

Tens of thousands of soldiers and Ukrainian civilians have been killed and cities across the country's south and east have been flattened with millions forced to flee their homes.

In a post on X along with the footage, Zelensky says: "Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians. I am proud of Ukraine!

"I thank everyone who defends and supports it. Everyone who works for Ukraine.

"And may the memory of all those who gave their lives for our state and people be eternal."

Meanwhile, the Kremlin on the eve of the anniversary repeated Russia's position that it would not give up territory it has captured in Ukraine's east and south.

The UN General Assembly has also been voting on resolutions and amendments around Russia's invasion and Ukraine's territorial integrity.

The US put forward a motion not mentioning Ukraine's sovereignty over its own land, which European nations amended to include, with the US then farcically voting against its own motion.

Moscow has also said it would not accept Ukrainian admission to Nato - as the two sides start to bargain over an end to the war.

World leaders are marking the third anniversary in a call that will pledge support for Ukraine and continue to call out Russia.

Some 30 have even gone to Kyiv, like EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and even Boris Johnson.

In thinly veiled swipe at Trump, Johnson said he categorically rejected “the bizarre untruths currently being peddled about the origins of that war”.

Johnson said: “I urge people to keep cool and look at the facts of the continuing US support for Ukraine, under Donald Trump, and I remain convinced that Ukraine will have a great future as a free sovereign and independent nation.”

The massive show of support for Kyiv came as Germany’s new leader said Europe must stand alone from the US.

Incoming Chancellor Friederich Merz said his absolute priority was "to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that we can achieve real independence from the USA.”

Merz said: “More than ever, we must put Ukraine in a position of strength.

“For a fair peace, the country that is under attack must be part of peace negotiations."

A bomb has also reportedly exploded inside the Russian consulate in Marseilles on the third anniversary.

An initial reporter claimed that two unknown people reportedly threw Molotov cocktails into the garden of the building.

Zelensky's touching clip comes after he said he would step down as his country's leader in exchange for peace or Nato membership.

The Ukrainian president said on Sunday: "If it's about peace in Ukraine and you really want me to leave my position, I am ready to do that [in exchange for peace].

"Secondly I can exchange it for Nato [membership].

"If there is such an opportunity I'll do it immediately without a long conversation about it."

He emphasised that Ukraine's security was his priority, not staying in office, adding that it was not his "dream" to remain president for a decade.

Zelensky made the pledge after Donald Trump branded him as a "dictator" and sidelined him by starting peace discussions with Russia.

Elections in Ukraine have been banned under martial law amid Putin's ongoing illegal invasion.

Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanual Macron will also show "united leadership" in support of Ukraine when they meet Trump in the coming days.

European leaders have been left reeling by being cut out of peace talks that Trump has started with Russia.

The new American administration has shifted position and started unilateral talks with Moscow as it demands a quick end to the war.

That's left European capitals fuming - who have collectively backed Ukraine more than the US against the Russian invasion.

In a post on X, von der Leyen wrote that Europe was in Kyiv “because Ukraine is in Europe.”

“In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny,” she wrote.

One of the sticking points for peace is Trump's demand Ukraine sign over resource rights to pay for Washington's military support.

Trump claims he wants $500billion worth in the deal, but Zelensky has refused so far - leading to Trump's "dictator" outburst.

Zelensky has fired up himself, clashing with Trump's treasury secretary in a one-on-one closed-door meeting.

After Scott Bessent told Zelensky to sign the agreement right then and there, Zelensky reportedly shouted at him - leaving the former hedge fund manager flustered with trembling hands.