Credited from: NPR
In one of its largest aerial assaults this year, Russia launched 574 drones and 40 ballistic and cruise missiles on Ukraine overnight, killing at least one person and injuring 15 others, according to officials. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that the strikes primarily targeted western regions where military aid from Ukraine's allies is stored and delivered, suggesting a significant escalation in the conflict amidst stalled peace talks, according to Reuters, AfricaNews, and Los Angeles Times.
Among the facilities struck was a US-owned electronics plant in the town of Mukachevo, one of the largest American investments in Ukraine, which resulted in at least six injuries among workers on a night shift at the time of the attack. This targeted strike on a civilian facility highlighted Russia's strategy amidst ongoing allegations of it not pursuing peace, according to NPR, HuffPost, and India Times.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as "carried out as if nothing were changing at all," reinforcing accusations that Moscow is stalling peace efforts amid renewed U.S.-led diplomatic engagements. Following recent talks hosted by President Trump with both Zelenskyy and Putin regarding potential peace agreements, Russia has responded by escalating its air assault, with nearly 1,000 long-range drones and missiles launched since the meetings, according to Channel News Asia, Newsweek, and Reuters.
In light of these attacks, Zelenskyy has indicated that Ukraine will engage in extensive consultations to clarify the security guarantees its allies may offer, aiming to facilitate direct talks with Putin. These meetings are anticipated to establish potential frameworks for future negotiations concerning Ukraine's security, reflecting ongoing international efforts to stabilize the situation while facing strong resistance from Russia, according to HuffPost, Newsweek, and Los Angeles Times.