Russian drone attacks strike Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, injure six

A series of drone attacks by Russia on Ukrainian cities, particularly Odesa and Zaporizhzhia, have resulted in multiple casualties and significant damage to civilian infrastructure. In Odesa, where three teenagers were injured, the attacks caused fires in residential and commercial buildings just before Czech President Petr Pavel's visit. The Ukrainian air force reported that during these assaults, hundreds of drones were launched, with many intercepted, while Russia claimed to have shot down Ukrainian drones in return. These strikes come amid discussions for a partial ceasefire brokered by the U.S., which aims to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, although interpretations of the agreement differ between the involved parties. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has expressed a desire for broader protections beyond energy facilities. The ongoing attacks underline the challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution, as highlighted by officials observing the contradiction between calls for negotiation and continued assaults on civilian targets.