Russia launches large-scale drone and missile strike on Ukraine while US diplomatic negotiations persist

During the night, Russia carried out a large-scale offensive against Ukraine, coinciding with ongoing discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Florida. Ukrainian authorities reported that Moscow deployed 653 drones and 51 missiles throughout the country, resulting in injuries to eight people.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attacks on social media, emphasizing the need to maintain pressure on Russia to encourage peace. He also announced plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with British and German leaders, in London on Monday.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed a "substantive phone call" with American representatives involved in the talks with the Ukrainian delegation in Miami. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff described the discussions, which included Jared Kushner, as "constructive talks on creating a credible pathway toward a lasting and fair peace in Ukraine."

The readout highlighted that both American and Ukrainian officials agreed that ending the conflict, taking meaningful steps toward a ceasefire, and reducing tensions are crucial to prevent renewed aggression and enable Ukraine's post-war reconstruction plans, aimed at strengthening the nation.

Following the Russian overnight offensive, Ukraine's air force reported strikes on 29 different sites while successfully intercepting 585 drones and 30 missiles. Three of the eight injured were located in the Kyiv region.

The attack severely affected Ukraine's energy infrastructure, temporarily cutting power to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Although under Russian control and not operational, the plant requires electricity to cool its inactive reactors to avoid a potential disaster.

Zelenskyy also reported that a drone strike destroyed the train station in Fastiv, near Kyiv. In response, Ukrainian forces targeted Russias Ryazan Oil Refinery.

Author: Maya Henderson