Russian Missile Strikes Kill 14 in Ukraine as Peace Talks Approach
Dobropillia and Bohodukhiv Hit in Overnight Assaults, Raising Tensions Ahead of Saudi Arabia Meeting
At least 14 people, including five children, have been killed and 30 others wounded in a series of overnight Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s eastern city of Dobropillia, according to Ukraine’s interior ministry. The strikes, which targeted residential buildings and infrastructure, come just days before key peace talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia.
The ministry reported that Russian forces launched ballistic missiles, multiple rockets, and drones, severely damaging multi-storey buildings and vehicles. The attack on Dobropillia follows a separate drone assault on Bohodukhiv, where three people were killed and seven wounded, according to Kharkiv region military head Oleg Synegubov.
A War with No End in Sight
These attacks underscore the ongoing devastation of Russia’s three-year invasion of Ukraine, despite repeated international efforts to negotiate peace. The escalation also raises concerns about Moscow’s intentions ahead of the upcoming diplomatic engagements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ahead of discussions with US officials.
US Shifts in Diplomacy Raise Questions
The latest strikes come amid shifting rhetoric from Washington, particularly from US President Donald Trump, who recently suggested that negotiating with Moscow may be “easier” than working with Kyiv. Trump’s remarks follow his earlier decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine while calling for diplomatic solutions. However, his apparent trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked concerns over the US’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Trump’s statements contrast sharply with his simultaneous threats to impose further sanctions and tariffs on Russia in response to its recent bombardments. His mixed messages raise uncertainty over Washington’s approach to the conflict and its role in facilitating a ceasefire.
Ukraine’s Push for Peace Amid Relentless Attacks
Despite the sustained Russian aggression, Zelenskyy has emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate peace. He has called for a mutual halt to aerial attacks on critical infrastructure as a first step toward ending hostilities. However, the Kremlin has consistently dismissed the possibility of even a temporary ceasefire, signaling Moscow’s reluctance to de-escalate the war.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry has claimed that its air defenses shot down 31 Ukrainian drones overnight, primarily over the Krasnodar Krai region. Additionally, Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted Russia’s Kirishi oil refinery, causing structural damage.
International Implications and the Road Ahead
As the violence continues, European leaders, concerned about US wavering support, have pledged to strengthen the EU’s defensive capabilities. The upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia are seen as a crucial test for international diplomacy, with US envoy Steve Witkoff expected to discuss an initial ceasefire framework with Ukrainian negotiators.
With no clear resolution in sight and diplomatic relations strained, the conflict remains at a dangerous crossroads. Whether the upcoming discussions will yield meaningful progress toward peace remains uncertain, but for the civilians caught in the crossfire, the toll of war continues to mount.
Reference
Russian Missile Strikes Kill 14 in Ukraine as Peace Talks Approach