Russia, Ukraine Exchange Drone Strikes Amid Ceasefire Talks

Amid ongoing ceasefire discussions, Russia and Ukraine engaged in heavy aerial attacks overnight, with both sides reporting over 100 enemy drones deployed. This escalation occurred shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss a proposed 30-day ceasefire, which has yet to gain full commitment from Moscow. Ukraine's air force announced it shot down 130 out of 178 drones launched by Russia, while Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have downed 126 Ukrainian drones. Significant damage was inflicted on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, particularly in the Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk regions, leaving some residents without power. Additionally, drone debris from Ukrainian strikes caused a fire near a Lukoil refinery in Volgograd, although no casualties were reported. The situation reflects a precarious balance between military actions and diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire.