Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched one of its largest overnight assaults in recent months, firing 420 drones and 39 missiles at Ukraine just hours before fresh diplomatic talks were held in Geneva. The barrage included 11 ballistic missiles and struck critical infrastructure as well as residential neighbourhoods across eight Ukrainian regions. Authorities reported that dozens of civilians, including children, were injured, though an exact consolidated figure was not immediately released. Emergency crews were deployed across multiple affected regions, including the capital, as air defence systems worked to intercept incoming projectiles.
According to Ukrainian officials, strikes targeted gas infrastructure in the Poltava region and electrical substations in Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, disrupting essential services. Zelenskyy stated that most of the missiles were intercepted by Ukraine’s air defence systems and credited Western partners for supplying additional interceptors that enabled effective response. He reiterated that continued foreign military support remains crucial for Ukraine as it confronts Russia’s larger and better-equipped forces.
The escalation came as US- and Ukraine-backed diplomatic efforts continued in Geneva to seek a pathway toward ending the war, which has now entered its fifth year. Zelenskyy confirmed that he had spoken by phone with US President Donald Trump, thanking him for continued engagement in negotiations. However, talks remain stalled over territorial disputes, with Russia maintaining claims over Ukrainian regions it has annexed. Zelenskyy has proposed a direct summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that face-to-face dialogue could unlock progress, but the Kremlin has rejected that idea beyond inviting him to Moscow, an offer Kyiv declined.
US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated in discussions with Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council chief Rustem Umerov. The agenda included economic recovery, investment frameworks, and preparations for further trilateral negotiations involving Russia. Potential prisoner exchanges were also discussed. Washington is attempting to sustain diplomatic momentum despite deep mistrust between the parties and continued fighting on the ground.
Public sentiment in Ukraine reflects caution and scepticism about the prospects for peace. Residents in Kyiv and southern cities expressed concern about potential territorial concessions and the risk of future invasions. Some questioned US motives, while others emphasised the need to maintain pressure on Russia, pointing to the strain international sanctions have placed on its economy. The uncertainty surrounding negotiations continues to shape domestic debate about the acceptable terms of any settlement.
Separately, Russia and Ukraine exchanged the bodies of fallen soldiers, with Moscow returning 1,000 bodies believed to be Ukrainian and receiving 35 in return. Ukrainian authorities confirmed the transfer while noting that identification procedures were ongoing. Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry reported intercepting Ukrainian drones over several Russian regions and surrounding seas, as Kyiv’s domestically produced long-range drones continue targeting fuel depots and logistics hubs inside Russian territory.
In parallel with military developments, Russia has repeated unsubstantiated allegations that European nations are planning to supply Ukraine with nuclear-related materials. The Kremlin-controlled lower house of parliament approved an appeal urging the United Nations and European lawmakers to prevent what it described as a potential transfer of nuclear weapons or components of a “dirty bomb.” Officials in the United Kingdom and France rejected the claims, calling them false. The exchange of accusations underscores the heightened tensions and information warfare accompanying the prolonged conflict.
