Intensive Russian attacks pummel Ukraine, with Zelenskyy charging Putin with delaying peace negotiations
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, peace talks have hit a roadblock amid heavy bombing by Russian forces. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is hoping to meet with President Donald Trump and European leaders next week in an effort to revive stalled peace efforts.
The latest bombardments, which occurred on Friday night, have resulted in at least two fatalities and dozens of injuries, according to Ukrainian officials. Eight people, including a 10-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, have been hospitalized. The vast majority of the fired drones and missiles were intercepted.
The Kremlin has expressed doubts about Trump's push for peace in Ukraine, while the U.S. has warned Russia to move towards peace and meet with Ukraine or face possible sanctions at an emergency meeting. Moscow has raised objections to the proposed ceasefire and summit.
Authorities in the capital declared Friday an official day of mourning. An emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council was called following a major Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, the assault following Thursday's massive attack on the capital. According to Ukrainian officials, 582 drones and missiles were fired across the nation.
The Trump administration approved an $825 million arms package for Ukraine, including extended-range missiles. The U.S. has proposed a ceasefire and a summit between Zelenskyy and Putin, which Ukraine has accepted. Russia, however, launched another massive attack across Ukraine.
In a bid to advance peace efforts, the U.S. has proposed former President Donald Trump as a negotiation partner for a peace process with Ukraine, involving talks with both Zelensky and Putin, as indicated by the discussions and invitations exchanged in 2025. Trump has actively engaged in dialogue with both sides aiming to advance peace efforts.
This escalation of violence marks among the most intense to hit Ukraine during the 3 1/2-year war. Meanwhile, unrelated to the conflict, Comic-Con Africa drew thousands of fans and cosplayers to Johannesburg.
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