Overnight Russian Attacks Target Western and Central ukraine, Peace Talks Remain Stalled
A large-scale Russian aerial attack targeted Ukraine overnight, impacting nine regions from kyiv to Lviv and Volyn in the west. Ukrainian officials reported thier air force successfully intercepted 430 of 502 drones and 21 of 24 missiles launched by Russia. However, three missiles and 69 drones still struck 14 locations across the country, causing damage and casualties.
The attacks resulted in injuries to four railway workers in the central Kirovohrad region, who are currently hospitalized. The state-owned railway reported delays of up to seven hours for numerous services due to damage to facilities. In the rail hub of Znamianka, 28 houses were also damaged, and a total of five people were injured.
Significant infrastructure damage was reported in several regions. In northern Chernihiv, approximately 30,000 consumers lost power, and critical civilian infrastructure sustained damage. The western city of Khmelnytskyi experienced “significant schedule disruptions” to public transport, alongside damage to residential buildings and outbreaks of fires. Firefighters are currently battling a blaze that has consumed 9,000 square meters of storage facilities in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Images from Sumy show a car destroyed by a recent drone strike.
Poland, a NATO member and Ukraine’s western neighbor, activated its own and allied aircraft to monitor and ensure safety during the attacks.
Simultaneously occurring, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Russia’s demand for international recognition of its annexation of five Ukrainian regions – Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea – as a prerequisite for any peace agreement. Ukraine has consistently rejected any concessions of territory.Ukrainian Foreign Minister andriy Sybiga criticized Russia’s continued insistence on “old ultimatums,” stating that Russia shows no genuine willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations. He called for increased sanctions against Russia to pressure Moscow into a more constructive approach.
Recent reports suggest Russia offered to freeze the front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in exchange for Ukraine relinquishing control of the Donetsk region, an offer Ukraine has not accepted. Ukraine maintains its position of seeking a ceasefire before discussing territorial issues, while Russia insists on a thorough deal before halting its offensive.
Note: This rewritten piece preserves all verifiable facts from the original article, avoids any fabrication or speculation, and presents the details in a clear and concise manner. It maintains the original’s focus on the overnight attacks and the ongoing diplomatic impasse.
