Ukraine, Russia escalate air strikes as ceasefire talks stall

Russia and Ukraine escalated airstrikes on each other's capitals ahead of Moscow's Victory Day parade, resulting in casualties and widespread disruptions. Kyiv suffered deadly attacks, with drone debris causing fires, killing two people, and injuring several others, including children. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow for a third consecutive day, prompting Russian air defenses to intercept dozens of drones and temporarily close major airports, stranding thousands of passengers. The assaults coincided with heightened security measures as world leaders, including China's Xi Jinping, arrived in Moscow for the anniversary celebrations. Both sides have rejected each other's ceasefire proposals, with Ukraine dismissing Russia's short-term offer and Russia yet to accept a U.S.-brokered demilitarized zone plan. The ongoing violence underscores the enduring deadlock and heightened tensions, despite international efforts to mediate.