Russia Launches Major Missile and Drone Attack Amid Peace Talks

Russia conducted a significant missile and drone strike on Ukraine overnight, coinciding with ongoing peace talks between US and Ukrainian officials. This marked the third consecutive day of discussions aimed at addressing the nearly four-year-old conflict. Following earlier talks that showed promise in developing a security framework for post-war Ukraine, both parties acknowledged that any substantial progress would heavily depend on Russia’s willingness to commit to long-term peace.

Details of the Attack

The assault on Ukraine involved a staggering 653 drones and 51 missiles, triggering air raid alerts nationwide. The attack took place as Ukraine commemorated Armed Forces Day, which added a somber tone to the events. Ukrainian air forces successfully intercepted and neutralized 585 drones and 30 missiles, although 29 locations were struck, leading to injuries among civilians. Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, reported that at least eight people were wounded, including three in the Kyiv region.

Russian forces primarily targeted energy infrastructure, as noted by Ukraine’s national energy operator, Ukrenergo, through a statement on Telegram. This included a temporary loss of off-site power at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has been under Russian control since the onset of the invasion. The International Atomic Energy Agency, led by Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, highlighted the plant’s need for reliable power to ensure the safety of its shut-down reactors and spent fuel.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that energy facilities were among the primary targets of the attack, also mentioning damage to a train station in the city of Fastiv, located in the Kyiv region. In response, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed to have shot down 116 Ukrainian drones over its territory.

International Response and Ongoing Negotiations

In a related development, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet President Zelensky along with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Downing Street on Monday. The meeting aims to reaffirm the UK’s support for Ukraine and discuss the ongoing negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials regarding a post-war security agreement.

Just two weeks prior, the four leaders participated in a virtual meeting aimed at establishing a European peacekeeping force, should a ceasefire be reached. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the prospect of peace remains elusive as Russia’s recent actions illustrate its continued military aggression.

As Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted Russian oil refineries, reports indicate that a drone strike hit Russia’s Ryazan Oil Refinery, igniting a fire and producing visible smoke. While local officials confirmed damage to a residential building, they did not specify the refinery as a target. These long-range drone strikes aim to disrupt Russian oil exports, thereby impacting its ability to finance the ongoing war.

The latest round of attacks occurred concurrently with discussions between US President Donald Trump‘s advisors and Ukrainian officials, who are meeting to further explore the security framework for post-war Ukraine. Following Friday’s talks, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, along with Ukrainian negotiators Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov, expressed cautious optimism about reaching an agreement. They emphasized that real progress hinges on Russia demonstrating a genuine commitment to peace.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping for a diplomatic resolution to this protracted conflict that has already claimed countless lives and displaced millions.