Ukraine faced another deadly weekend of Russian aerial attacks even as diplomatic efforts intensified in Florida. Drone and missile strikes in and around Kyiv killed at least three people on Saturday, with overnight attacks into Sunday claiming one more life and wounding 19 others, including four children when a drone hit an apartment building.
President Zelenskyy reported that Russia had unleashed 122 strike drones and ballistic missiles in a single day, part of a broader pattern of sustained attacks. Over one week, Russian forces deployed nearly 1,400 strike drones, 1,100 guided aerial bombs, and 66 missiles against Ukrainian targets, demonstrating the relentless nature of the military campaign.
These attacks occurred as high-level negotiations took place thousands of miles away in Florida. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner met with Ukrainian defense and diplomatic officials to refine a peace framework. The juxtaposition of violence and diplomacy highlighted the urgency of reaching an agreement.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the continued attacks underscore Ukraine’s need for enhanced air defense systems and international support. He stressed that “real, reliable solutions” are necessary to end the war, not merely temporary measures. The Ukrainian president expressed appreciation for what he described as a “constructive approach” from American negotiators.
The violence extends beyond direct combat operations. Ukraine’s strike on a major oil terminal near the Russian port of Novorossiysk prompted a diplomatic protest from Kazakhstan, whose oil exports rely on the facility. This incident illustrates how the conflict’s effects ripple beyond Ukraine and Russia, complicating regional relationships and adding layers to the diplomatic challenges facing negotiators seeking a comprehensive peace settlement.