Russia Strikes Kyiv Amidst U.S.-Ukraine Peace Talks

Russian attacks on Kyiv overnight have resulted in at least seven fatalities, striking city buildings and critical energy infrastructure. The bombings occurred amid ongoing U.S.-Ukraine peace talks, which have been revitalized after nearly four years of conflict.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll met with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, marking a new phase in negotiations aimed at a potential peace settlement. A U.S. official confirmed the Ukrainians were aware of these discussions, although details remain sparse.

Ukrainian delegate Oleksandr Bevz indicated that the proposed peace plan has been revised from 28 points to a more concise list. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism about the talks, emphasizing that concrete steps toward peace are becoming feasible.

He plans to discuss sensitive issues with U.S. President Donald Trump as negotiations progress. In a stark response to Ukrainian drone attacks, which reportedly killed three in Russia, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its overnight strikes targeted military and energy facilities.

Reports indicate that 22 missiles and over 460 drones were used in these attacks, leading to significant damage in Kyiv, including a fire in a nine-story residential building in the Dniprovskyi district.

Mayor Vitalii Klitschko noted that around 20 individuals sustained injuries. In a separate incident, four more people were killed in a strike on a non-residential building in the Sviatoshynyi district.

The Ukrainian energy ministry confirmed damage to critical energy infrastructure, while a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia resulted in casualties and damage to residential areas. Russian air defenses reported the downing of 249 Ukrainian drones across various regions, marking this as one of the largest drone attacks on Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the U.S. peace proposal, stating it must not lead to a capitulation that would allow Russia to renew hostilities. He emphasized that any agreement must ensure robust security guarantees for Ukraine.

The path to peace, according to European leaders, remains fraught with challenges, as they caution that the road ahead will be long and complex.