KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a major missile and drone barrage against Ukraine overnight into Saturday. This aggressive act follows the announcement that U.S. and Ukrainian officials will convene for a third day of talks aimed at resolving the nearly four-year-long conflict. As discussions progressed on a security framework for postwar Ukraine, both sides acknowledged a critical factor: any meaningful advancement toward a comprehensive agreement hinges on Russia’s willingness to demonstrate a serious commitment to achieving long-term peace.
The statement from U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, former President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Ukrainian negotiators Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov came after they completed their second day of meetings in Florida on Friday. Although they provided only a broad overview of the progress made, they emphasized the need for a U.S.-mediated proposal to facilitate an end to the ongoing war.
In the early hours of Saturday, Russia deployed an extensive arsenal of 653 drones and 51 missiles in a sweeping attack across Ukraine, resulting in widespread air raid alerts throughout the nation. Notably, this strike coincided with Ukraine's observance of Armed Forces Day. Fortunately, Ukrainian forces were able to successfully intercept and neutralize 585 drones and 30 missiles, according to reports from the Ukrainian air force, although at least 29 locations were struck during the assault. The Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, confirmed that at least eight individuals sustained injuries from the attacks, with local officials reporting three casualties in the Kyiv region alone.
Drone sightings were even reported as far west as Ukraine’s Lviv region, indicating the extensive reach of the Russian assault.
During this unprecedented attack, Russia targeted critical energy infrastructure, including power stations, across several Ukrainian regions. The national energy operator, Ukrenergo, reported on Telegram that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant temporarily lost all off-site power. This facility has been under Russian control since the onset of the invasion and, although it is not currently operational, it requires a reliable power supply to cool its six shut-down reactors and spent fuel to prevent any potential nuclear catastrophes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that energy facilities were the primary targets of these strikes, revealing that a drone attack had destroyed the train station in the city of Fastiv, located within the Kyiv region. Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed to have shot down 116 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory during the same period.
The Russian Telegram news channel Astra reported that Ukraine successfully struck Russia’s Ryazan Oil Refinery, with footage purportedly showing smoke billowing from the site. Although the Associated Press could not independently verify the authenticity of the video, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces later confirmed the attack on the refinery. Ryazan regional Governor Pavel Malkov indicated that a residential building suffered damage during the drone attack, while drone debris fell on the grounds of an industrial facility without specifically mentioning the refinery.
Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on Russian refineries have been strategically aimed at disrupting Moscow’s oil export revenue, crucial for financing the ongoing war. In the meantime, Kyiv and its Western allies assert that Russia is intent on debilitating the Ukrainian power grid, thereby denying civilians access to essential services such as heat, light, and running water, especially as the country braces for a fourth consecutive winter under these harsh conditions.
The recent surge in attacks underscores the complexities surrounding the ongoing peace talks, where U.S. President Trump’s advisers and Ukrainian officials have reconvened for a third day of discussions. These talks are focused on finding common ground on a security framework for postwar Ukraine, with both sides recognizing that any substantial agreement will necessitate Russia’s serious commitment to peace.
As the negotiations unfold, President Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Monday. The leaders will discuss the progress of the talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials, aiming to secure guarantees for Ukraine’s postwar security and stability.