In a significant escalation of its military activities, Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine in a month, deploying around 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones. Ukrainian officials reported at least three fatalities and dozens of injuries, particularly in Kyiv, following these attacks.
Casualties and Damage in Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the casualties during his nightly address, highlighting that the majority of strikes targeted energy infrastructure and civilian buildings. The assault left approximately 600,000 consumers without power across various regions, including the capital.
Airlifts and Immediate Responses
- Two individuals were killed in Kyiv, including a 42-year-old man, while a 74-year-old woman died in the Kyiv region.
- Local authorities reported that 38 people were injured, including a child.
- Kyiv experienced air raid alerts for over ten hours, with emergency services responding to extensive damage in residential areas.
- Poland activated military jets and air defense systems as a precautionary measure against the attacks.
Ukrainian Delegation and Peace Talks
In light of the recent aggression, a Ukrainian delegation is set to engage in peace negotiations in the United States. Led by Rustem Umerov, the newly appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, the delegation will address a US-drafted peace proposal that has raised concerns in Kyiv.
Background on International Diplomacy
The situation has forced Ukraine to adapt its diplomatic strategy. Zelensky’s previous chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, resigned amid a corruption scandal, prompting Umerov’s appointment. This change comes as Ukraine prepares to discuss counter-proposals developed alongside European allies during earlier meetings in Geneva.
Upcoming Meetings
The Ukrainian delegation will meet key US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jared Kushner. In parallel, Zelensky will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to solidify support from allies.
Russia’s Position
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that any future agreements may hinge on Ukraine’s withdrawal from certain territories in the east. He stated that if this does not occur, Russia might resort to military solutions.
This series of events highlights the ongoing challenge faced by Ukraine as it navigates both military and diplomatic fronts, seeking a resolution to the conflict while addressing the immediate humanitarian impacts of Russia’s aerial assaults.
