A recent Russian assault on Ukraine resulted in the deaths of six individuals in and around Kyiv, the country’s capital, causing widespread power outages, as confirmed by Ukrainian officials on Wednesday. The attack occurred following a setback in peace negotiations for the ongoing conflict, as a scheduled meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was canceled.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration on social media, stating that the attack highlighted Russia’s continued aggression in the conflict. He reported that 17 people were injured, with six fatalities, including two children.
During the night, AFP reporters in Kyiv witnessed multiple explosions and observed a large column of smoke rising above the city. The strikes also targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leading to thousands of people losing access to heating and electricity in the midst of the cold season, according to the country’s energy ministry.
Although Russia claimed to have intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones without significant damage, the situation remains tense. President Trump initially proposed peace talks with Putin in Budapest but later called off the meeting, citing concerns about its effectiveness.
Reports suggest that Trump pressured Zelensky to concede the eastern Donbas region during discussions at the White House, a demand Ukraine has consistently rejected. European allies have stood in solidarity with Ukraine, advocating for a ceasefire at the current front lines rather than territorial concessions.
In response to the recent attack, Zelensky criticized Russia’s insincere diplomatic gestures, emphasizing that meaningful dialogue cannot occur without addressing fundamental issues. The conflict, initiated by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 under the guise of a “special military operation,” has been condemned by Kyiv and its allies as an unlawful land seizure, resulting in significant civilian and military casualties and extensive devastation.
Currently, Russia controls approximately a fifth of Ukrainian territory, much of which has been devastated by warfare, with a substantial loss of life among civilians and soldiers.