Russia’s recent drone attacks killed seven in Ukraine, including strikes in Kyiv, signaling ongoing hostilities despite impending ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia. President Zelenskyy prepares a delegation to address the situation, while skepticism among residents about Russia’s intentions prevails. The volume of recent attacks underscores the urgency for new solutions to stop the conflict.
Recent drone attacks by Russia have resulted in the loss of at least seven lives in Ukraine, particularly affecting the capital, Kyiv. These assaults occurred on the eve of ceasefire negotiations scheduled in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine and Russia are anticipated to engage in indirect, US-mediated discussions regarding a pause in hostilities targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the Ukrainian delegation will first meet with US officials in Saudi Arabia to prepare for the indirect talks. Technical teams will be dispatched by Ukraine to explore and negotiate the terms of a partial ceasefire.
Steve Witkoff, special envoy under former President Trump, expressed optimism over the talks, suggesting that significant progress could be achieved, particularly regarding a ceasefire in the Black Sea. However, he also acknowledged concerns regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s future ambitions in Europe, stating, “I feel that he wants peace.”
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that amidst the drone attacks, 147 drones were launched. They managed to intercept 97 of them, while 25 were thwarted due to defensive measures before reaching their intended targets. The attacks impacted multiple regions, resulting in civilian casualties and significant damage to residential buildings in Kyiv.
Kyiv residents reacted with skepticism toward the impending ceasefire discussions, given the recent devastation wrought by drone strikes. One resident, Dmytro Zapadnya, articulated his lack of trust in any agreements with Russia, asserting that, “There is no point in signing anything (with Russians).”
On social media, President Zelenskyy remarked on the frequency of these attacks, noting that the previous week saw over 1,580 aerial bombs, nearly 1,100 strike drones, and 15 missiles targeting Ukraine. He advocated for new strategies and enhanced pressure on Moscow to cease assaults and bring an end to hostilities.
Additionally, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have neutralized 59 Ukrainian drones, with one drone attack in the Rostov region resulting in a fatality. A woman died in a separate incident in Belgorod due to a Ukrainian drone strike, underscoring the conflict’s escalating toll on both sides.
The recent drone assaults by Russia, which resulted in multiple casualties in Ukraine, are a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict as ceasefire discussions take shape in Saudi Arabia. While expectations for fruitful negotiations exist, skepticism remains among Ukrainians regarding Russia’s reliability in upholding a ceasefire. President Zelenskyy’s call for enhanced measures confronts the persistent violence, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to halt the detrimental impacts on civilian life.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
