Priyanka Tiwari
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Russia launched a series of drone strikes overnight, targeting civilian areas and damaging a hospital in Ukraine. These attacks followed President Vladimir Putin's refusal to back a full 30-day ceasefire during discussions with his American counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy condemned the continued strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, emphasizing that Russia's refusal to halt all attacks further proved the necessity of increased international pressure on Moscow. Despite Putin’s agreement to cease attacks on the power grid, the Ukrainian president stated that the ongoing strikes show that Russia is not serious about bringing the war to an end.
Zelenskyy Calls for Continued Pressure on Moscow
Zelenskyy voiced his frustrations on Tuesday, saying, “This confirms that we must continue to pressure Russia for the sake of peace. Only a real halt to Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure can signal a genuine desire to end this war and bring peace closer.” His comments highlight the challenges Ukraine faces in securing a true ceasefire.
White House Describes U.S.-Russia Talks as First Step Toward Peace
The White House framed the recent phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin as the initial step in a “movement toward peace.” The U.S. hopes these talks will eventually lead to a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and, ideally, a full cessation of hostilities. However, there was no indication that Putin had softened his stance on the conditions he demands for peace, which are strongly opposed by Kyiv.
Drone Strikes Hit Civilian Infrastructure and Energy Targets
Shortly after the two leaders' phone call concluded, air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv, followed by explosions as residents rushed to seek shelter. Despite Ukrainian defense efforts, several drone strikes hit civilian infrastructure across the country, including a direct strike on a hospital in Sumy and other attacks in Donetsk and Kyiv regions.
Russian drones were also reported over several Ukrainian regions, including Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, Poltava, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, and Cherkasy. The strikes on civilian infrastructure have raised alarms about the continuing risks faced by the Ukrainian population, even as diplomatic efforts for peace progress.
Russian Defense Ministry Reports Successful Drone Interceptions
The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday that its air defense systems intercepted 57 Ukrainian drones over the Azov Sea and in several Russian regions, including the border provinces of Kursk, Bryansk, Oryol, and Tula.
Separately, authorities in the Krasnodar region, located near the Crimean Peninsula (annexed by Russia in 2014), reported that a drone attack led to a fire at an oil depot in the region. The ongoing drone strikes and retaliatory actions have further escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
