Russian Ballistic Missiles Strike Kyiv While Ukrainian Drones Target Moscow
Russia launched at least 21 ballistic missiles in three waves at Kyiv while Ukraine dispatched 630 drones toward Moscow overnight, according to reporting by Reuters. The heavy barrage unfolded despite renewed United States mediation efforts led by US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff to end the conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that three of the incoming ballistic missiles carried cluster munitions, which disperse dangerous bomblets over wide areas. Three people were killed in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia and one more in nearby Dnipropetrovsk region, while 36 others were injured. In Russia, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that two people sustained injuries from drones launched overnight towards the capital.
Elon Musk Restores Starlink Service After Washington Rifts
Despite the announcement, Zelenskiy noted alongside Finland’s prime minister that speed on Starlink systems had not been restored for Ukraine. A person familiar with the matter told Reuters that the same operational curbs largely remained in place.
Putin Agrees to Resume US-Mediated Peace Talks Next Month
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed during a television interview following his meeting with Steve Witkoff that Moscow is ready to resume US-mediated talks with Ukraine next month. Putin stated that the objective of the upcoming negotiations is to ensure the security of Ukraine and Russia after the conflict was resolved. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov noted that some nuances do not entirely satisfy Moscow.
Prisoner Exchange Accompanies Escalating Frontline Strikes
Amid the intensified air attacks, Moscow and Kyiv executed an exchange of war dead on Thursday. According to the Belarusian state news agency Belta, Russia handed over 252 bodies, while Ukraine returned 25. Previous moves towards talks have been accompanied by similar exchanges.
The diplomatic track faced additional friction when Zelenskiy criticized Witkoff for referring to Putin as a humanitarian during the US envoy’s visit to secure the release of a 74-year-old American citizen. Zelenskiy responded publicly on X by pointing to the subsequent three-wave ballistic missile attack on Kyiv.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Escalation and Mediation Efforts
What specific security guarantees are being discussed in the US-mediated talks?
Vladimir Putin stated that the aim of the talks was to ensure the security of Ukraine and Russia after the conflict was resolved, and Steve Witkoff stressed that discussions had to extend to the architecture of European security.
How many casualties were reported from the overnight strikes?
Three people were killed in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia and one more in nearby Dnipropetrovsk region, while 36 others were injured. In Russia, two people were wounded near Moscow.
More on Russia
Worth a look