Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalates with Strikes Amid Failed Peace Talks

A Russian missile strike on port infrastructure in Odesa, southern Ukraine, killed eight people and wounded 27, according to Ukraine's emergency service. This attack occurred as a Kremlin envoy was set to travel to Florida for discussions regarding a U.S.-proposed plan to end the nearly four-year war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the outcome of the negotiations depends significantly on the U.S. response after talks with the Russians. In related developments, Ukraine's military targeted a Russian oil rig and a patrol ship, reportedly damaging facilities linked to Russian oil giant Lukoil.

The U.S. has launched a diplomatic push for peace, yet conflicting demands from Moscow and Kyiv complicate progress. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in achieving military goals if Ukraine does not comply with Moscow's terms.

The European Union has agreed to provide $106 billion to assist Ukraine's military and economic needs over the next two years, while Ukraine's government is on the brink of bankruptcy and requires $161 billion by 2026 and 2027.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, is scheduled to meet with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Miami to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv and territorial concessions, following Ukrainian and European meetings in Berlin.