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In one of the largest drone offensives in recent weeks, Russia launched 147 drones targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Odessa, and Donetsk. The Ukrainian Air Force successfully intercepted 97 drones, while another 25 failed to reach their intended targets due to Ukrainian countermeasures.
Civilian Casualties and Destruction in Kyiv and Donetsk
- Kyiv: At least three people, including a five-year-old child, were killed. The Podil district saw a fire break out on the 20th floor of a 25-storey building. Another person died in a warehouse fire in Holosiivsky district.
- Donetsk: Governor Vadim Filashkin confirmed that four civilians were killed in Russian attacks on the region.
In total, the drone barrage resulted in seven civilian deaths and numerous injuries across multiple Ukrainian cities.
Peace Talks Hinted Amid Rising Tensions
The drone strikes come just ahead of expected indirect peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, mediated by the United States. While direct dialogue remains unlikely, both sides may discuss:
- A partial ceasefire
- Ban on attacks targeting energy infrastructure and civilian facilities
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine would send a technical team to meet US officials before the scheduled talks. US special envoy Steve Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump, expressed optimism about the outcome, hoping the Saudi-hosted meeting can lead to “better results.”
Global Attention on Saudi Mediation Effort
This marks a significant attempt at diplomacy amid the long-standing war. If the talks in Saudi Arabia yield even partial agreements on reducing civilian infrastructure attacks, it could signal a shift in the stalemated conflict that has devastated regions of Ukraine for over two years.
