Russia Launches Deadly Drone, Missile Strikes on Multiple Ukrainian Cities Amid Peace Talks

Russia launched a significant drone and missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk, targeting energy and transport infrastructure and causing widespread power outages, even as President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European leaders in Washington to discuss security guarantees and a peace deal. Ukrainian officials, including Kremenchuk's mayor and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, condemned the attacks as evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not seek peace but rather destruction, underscoring the ongoing threat to civilians amid diplomatic efforts. Additional deadly strikes on Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia killed civilians, including children, and damaged residential buildings, intensifying calls from Ukrainian authorities for stronger Western support and unity to stop Russia's aggression. Despite recent talks between Trump and Putin raising hopes for negotiations, Ukrainian leaders remain cautious and emphasize the need for concrete military aid and guarantees to protect civilians and achieve a durable ceasefire. President Zelenskiy has insisted that Moscow must hear a clear message to stop the violence, highlighting the tension between diplomatic engagement and ongoing military assaults.