Ukraine attacks Chechen special forces unit before Putin-Witkoff negotiations

Ukrainian drones targeted a Russian special forces base and an FSB office in Chechnya ahead of planned peace negotiations in Moscow. Early Tuesday morning, a powerful explosion shook the Akhmat units base in Gudermes, with video footage showing thick smoke and flames engulfing the compound. The elite paramilitary unit is known for its loyalty to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and has been deployed in frontline operations in Kharkiv and Donetsk.

In another attack, the FSB office in Achkhoy-Martan was struck, leaving shattered windows and debris scattered around the building, as shown in social media images. Separately, a Russian-flagged tanker transporting sunflower oil to Georgia was assaulted near the Turkish coast, marking the fourth such incident this week. Ukraine has not publicly claimed responsibility for these operations.

Meanwhile, a Russian ballistic missile hit an industrial zone in Dnipro, eastern Ukraine, on Monday, killing four and injuring 40, according to local authorities. These strikes coincide with intensified international diplomacy aimed at steering both nations toward a peace settlement. Steve Witkoff, a special envoy of former US President Donald Trump, is traveling to Moscow for his sixth meeting this year with President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made his first visit to Ireland on Tuesday after discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, seeking support from European allies. Ahead of the upcoming negotiation round, Russia claimed control of the key cities Vovchansk and Pokrovsk, which Kyiv contests, noting ongoing heavy fighting in the northern outskirts of Pokrovsk, Donetsk.

Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraines center for countering disinformation, stated that Russias announcement aimed to shift pressure onto Ukraine during the peace talks. Russian President Putin visited a command center on Monday, emphasizing the strategic importance of these operations for achieving the objectives of the ongoing military campaign.

The potential fall of Pokrovsk could open a route toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, major Ukrainian-held cities in Donetsk critical for supply lines. Russia continues to demand Ukraines withdrawal from all parts of Donbas not under Moscows control. Analysts, however, warn that full control over the region could take years at current progress rates.

Diplomatic efforts escalated recently following the leak of a 28-point peace proposal linked to Mr. Trump, which included restrictions on Ukraine joining NATO and limits on its military, while transferring parts of Donbas to Russian control. Kyiv and several European nations rejected the plan, drafting a less Russia-favorable alternative to protect Ukrainian sovereignty.

The White House expressed optimism about reaching an agreement as Mr. Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Moscow. Mr. Witkoffs visit follows discussions with European leaders and Ukraines chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov. French President Macron emphasized that any peace plan must involve both Ukraine and its European partners directly.

Author: Sophia Brooks