Russia Launches Massive Drone and Missile Assault on Ukraine Amid U.S.-Ukraine Peace Talks
MIAMI, Fla. — As diplomatic talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials unfolded in Florida this week, Russia unleashed a sweeping aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying 653 drones and 51 missiles in a single night. Ukrainian authorities reported that the barrage injured eight people and targeted 29 locations across the country, including critical power infrastructure and transportation hubs.
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that its forces intercepted 585 drones and 30 missiles during the attack, but the scale of the offensive overwhelmed defenses in several areas. Among the hardest hit was the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which temporarily lost power overnight. Though currently under Russian control and not operational, the facility requires continuous power to cool its reactors safely and prevent a catastrophic incident, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as “massive,” noting that a drone strike destroyed the train station in Fastiv, near Kyiv. Local officials reported that three of the eight wounded were in the Kyiv region. The general staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces also announced a retaliatory strike on Russia’s Ryazan Oil Refinery.
These hostilities coincided with ongoing peace negotiations in Miami, where U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, engaged with the Ukrainian delegation. The U.S. State Department released a readout describing the discussions as “constructive,” emphasizing the need for a credible pathway toward a durable and just peace in Ukraine. Both sides underscored that ending the war and taking credible steps toward ceasefire and de-escalation are essential to prevent renewed aggression and enable Ukraine’s comprehensive redevelopment.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attacks on social media, urging continued pressure on Russia to push toward peace. Macron announced plans to meet with Zelenskyy and leaders from Britain and Germany in London to further coordinate diplomatic efforts. The Kremlin, however, has rejected key components of the U.S. peace plan, with Russian officials warning of increased risks of broader conflict in Europe.
The assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has compounded the country’s ongoing blackout challenges, as residents in Kyiv and other cities faced power outages amid the strikes. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity has highlighted the strategic importance of protecting critical energy assets during conflicts, underscoring the risks posed by such attacks.
As the world watches the unfolding crisis, the United States continues to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. The U.S. Department of State reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating diplomatic solutions while providing necessary aid to Ukraine.
With the conflict intensifying on the ground even as negotiations proceed, the international community faces mounting pressure to find a resolution that can halt the violence and foster lasting peace in the region.
Leave a Reply