Russia’s drone attack on Kyiv killed three, including a child, ahead of US and Ukrainian ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia. Casualties included injuries, and fires were ignited in residential areas. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, pointing to a lack of genuine peace efforts by Russia. Discussions will focus on protecting infrastructure and ensuring safety in the Black Sea.
On the night preceding crucial ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine experienced a deadly drone attack by Russia, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives, including that of a five-year-old child. This information was confirmed by officials from Ukraine’s Kyiv city military administration, which also reported that at least ten individuals sustained injuries due to this attack, which ignited multiple fires across the city.
The drone strike caused damage that included conflagrations in two residential buildings in the Dnipro district, as well as fire on the upper floors of a nine-storey building in the capital, where one woman lost her life. Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the Kyiv city military administration, criticized Russia’s actions, stating, “Today, the Russians are once again demonstrating their ‘desire for peace.’ In reality, terrorists are simply launching deadly weapons at residential buildings.”
This assault occurred ahead of scheduled ceasefire talks involving US and Ukrainian officials to be led by Andrew Peek and Michael Anton. Following their discussions, US officials are set to engage with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian representatives will participate in these negotiations but will maintain a separate environment from the Russians.
During the talks, Ukraine intends to propose a list of energy infrastructure that must remain protected from Russian military strikes. Additionally, specialists from both Russia and the US are expected to address safety protocols for shipping activities in the Black Sea. Despite previously established agreements for a partial ceasefire concerning energy and civilian infrastructure, both Moscow and Kyiv have accused one another of non-compliance with the terms.
In summary, the recent drone attack on Kyiv, which resulted in civilian casualties, underscores the ongoing violence in the Ukraine conflict. This incident occurred just as crucial ceasefire talks were about to commence in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing an urgent need for diplomatic resolutions. The Ukrainian delegation aims to protect key infrastructure during these discussions, amidst accusations of ongoing ceasefire violations by both sides.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com