Russia launches deadly drone attack on Ukraine, killing seven
- A massive Russian drone attack targeted several cities in Ukraine, resulting in at least seven deaths.
- The attacks occurred amid ongoing preparations for indirect peace talks in Saudi Arabia involving Ukraine and Russia.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky called for increased international pressure on Moscow to stop strikes and end the war.
In Ukraine, a significant escalation in hostilities occurred yesterday as Russian forces conducted a massive drone attack targeting Kyiv and other major cities across the country. This assault involved the launch of a total of 147 drones, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. In Kyiv, at least three people lost their lives, including a five-year-old child, and ten others sustained injuries due to the attacks. The Ukrainian Air Force successfully intercepted 97 of the drones, while additional strikes were reported in the Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Odesa, and Donetsk regions of Ukraine, leading to further casualties. The backdrop to this violent act is a series of peace talks anticipated to take place in Saudi Arabia between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, mediated by the United States. Despite an earlier agreement between the two sides regarding a limited ceasefire, ongoing hostilities and drone strikes showcase the fraught and unstable nature of these negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for new pressure on Russia to halt such attacks, indicating a situation where diplomatic efforts are markedly challenged by military actions on the ground. The drone strikes and their aftermath have instilled a sense of dread and resignation among the Ukrainian population, who have grown accustomed to such threats. President Zelensky remarked on the frequency of attacks, asserting that such violence has become a daily reality for citizens amid the ongoing conflict, which has stretched into its third year. He further stated that the usage of guided aerial bombs, strike drones, and missiles has increasingly intensified, necessitating urgent global intervention to reinforce sanctions on Russia. This alarming incident not only underscores the continuing violence in Ukraine but also raises questions about the efficacy of international diplomacy when faced with pronounced aggression from Russia. As the world watches the developments unfold, the outcome of negotiations in Saudi Arabia will be crucial to determine whether there is any possibility of de-escalation in the ongoing conflict.