Recent intense Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities have resulted in the tragic loss of at least six lives, including two innocent children, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. In addition to the fatalities, another 21 individuals sustained injuries during these relentless attacks, which Zelensky emphasized highlight the insufficient pressure being placed on Moscow in response to its ongoing aggression.
In a related development, US President Donald Trump announced that his plans for an imminent summit with Vladimir Putin in Budapest have been postponed, citing a desire to avoid a "wasted meeting." This decision comes in the wake of continued hostilities and the Kremlin's firm rejection of calls for a ceasefire along the current front lines, which have been made by both Trump and various European leaders.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's military has launched a counter-offensive, targeting a Russian chemical plant located in the Bryansk border region late on Tuesday. Utilizing UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, military officials described the operation as a successful strike that effectively breached the Russian air defense system. The Bryansk plant is known for producing gunpowder, explosives, and components for rocket fuel, all of which are critical to the ammunition used by Russian forces against Ukraine.
During his return from discussions with Trump last Friday, Zelensky expressed frustration over his inability to persuade the US president to provide long-range Tomahawk missiles. He noted that as the prospect of acquiring these long-range capabilities diminished, so too did Russia's interest in pursuing diplomatic solutions. "As soon as the issue of long-range missiles became a little further away for us, for Ukraine, then almost automatically Russia became less interested in diplomacy," Zelensky remarked.
The Ukrainian capital faced a wave of assaults overnight, marking the first such attacks since September 28. A couple in their 60s tragically lost their lives when a drone struck their high-rise building in the city. Additionally, four casualties were reported in the broader Kyiv region, including a woman, a six-month-old baby, and a 12-year-old girl. Throughout the night, the capital was under a ballistic missile warning, filled with the sounds of explosions and chaos.
By morning, rescue teams were deployed to combat fires in residential buildings damaged by the strikes. Across Ukraine, Russian aggression once again targeted critical energy infrastructure, leading to emergency power outages in several regions. Inna Sovsun, a Member of Parliament in Kyiv, shared her concerns with the BBC, stating that the air raids persisted throughout the night and seemed to be a deliberate attack on the power supply, leaving many, including herself, without electricity and water.
The ongoing conflict continues to take a devastating toll on Ukraine, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The international community watches closely as the situation unfolds, urging for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
