Traffic moved through Kyiv's city center during a blackout Tuesday, following reported Russian drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure the previous day. The attacks occurred amid escalating tensions following an alleged strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence in Novgorod, Russia, on Sunday.

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov stated the alleged attack on Putin's residence took place shortly after talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida. Ushakov, in remarks reported by Russian media, said the strike would not go unanswered, following a call between Trump and Putin. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Russian air defense systems intercepted 91 long-range strike drones used in the attack, adding that no injuries were reported.

Zelenskyy denied Russia's claims, accusing the Kremlin of attempting to derail ongoing peace talks. Trump, however, expressed his displeasure, telling reporters, "I was very angry about it."

The incident highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare, particularly in the deployment and defense against drone attacks. AI algorithms are used for autonomous navigation, target recognition, and coordinated swarm attacks in drones. Defensively, AI systems analyze incoming projectile trajectories to optimize interception strategies, as Lavrov alluded to with the mention of Russian air defense systems. The effectiveness of these AI-driven defense systems is crucial in mitigating damage from aerial attacks, but also raises questions about the potential for algorithmic bias and unintended consequences.

The use of AI in warfare also has significant implications for society. The increasing automation of conflict could lead to a decrease in human involvement, potentially lowering the threshold for initiating hostilities. Furthermore, the development of autonomous weapons systems raises ethical concerns about accountability and the potential for unintended escalation. The international community is currently grappling with the need for regulations and guidelines to govern the development and deployment of AI in military applications.

The alleged attack and subsequent retaliatory strikes underscore the fragility of the current geopolitical landscape. The ongoing conflict continues to evolve, with both sides leveraging technological advancements, including AI, to gain a strategic advantage. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military actions.