MOSCOW, Feb 17, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Russia said Monday its forces downed 90 Ukrainian drones, including dozens over the Sea of Azov, and a Neptune anti-ship cruise missile.

The attack comes at a time when the leaders of the United States and Russia, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, have said they want to hold talks urgently to end the conflict, sparked by Russia's offensive in Ukraine nearly three years ago.

"During the night, the air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 90 Ukrainian drones" without causing casualties, Russia's defence ministry said on Telegram.

The drones were intercepted in eight regions -- 38 over the Sea of Azov, 24 in the southwestern region of Krasnodar and 15 over the Crimean peninsula.

Trump has said he believes Putin genuinely wants to stop fighting in Ukraine, while his administration has warned its NATO allies Europe will no longer be its top security priority.