KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Over 100 Russian drones launched attacks across Ukraine on Wednesday, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following a deadly strike on civilian areas that resulted in at least eight fatalities. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia's assaults are becoming increasingly bold, specifically targeting vital railway infrastructure and civilian sites in urban areas.
The overnight drone strikes hit residential neighborhoods and railway facilities in the central Dnipro and northeastern Kharkiv regions, as well as port infrastructures in the southern Odesa region and energy facilities in the central Poltava region. On the previous day, Zelenskyy indicated that 14 Ukrainian regions were affected by attacks throughout the day.
Zelenskyy stressed the importance of global support for Ukraine, cautioning that silence regarding Russia's ongoing war emboldens its aggressiveness. He expressed concern that if the war fades from international news coverage, it might lead Russia to intensify its military actions. This remark came amid rising global focus on the Iran war.
Despite Ukraine's recent military successes, Moscow's relentless attacks continue. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have made assertions — without providing evidence — that the conflict might be nearing resolution. Trump noted on Tuesday that he believes a deal to end the fighting between Moscow and Kyiv is on the horizon, stating, "The end of the war in Ukraine I really think is getting very close."
Putin also hinted that his invasion could be "coming to an end" during a speech last weekend. However, both leaders failed to elaborate on their apparent optimism regarding the prospect of peace. U.S.-led diplomatic efforts over the past year have stalled, making little progress on key issues such as the ownership of territory and mechanisms to prevent future Russian invasions.
As the situation evolves, European governments are weighing the potential of resuming dialogues with Putin. For years, Europe has sought to isolate the Russian leader and imposed international sanctions on his country. Recent months have seen a shift in the dynamics of the conflict, with Ukraine transitioning from pleading for assistance to offering expertise on countering attacks, aided by advancements in its domestically developed drone technology.
Ukraine's long-range drone and missile attacks have effectively disrupted Russian energy facilities and manufacturing, as indicated by reports of strikes in three Russian regions. Notably, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 286 Ukrainian drones over various regions, including illegally annexed Crimea and the Black Sea.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, the situation along the 1,250-kilometer (780-mile) front line has been changing, with Russian forces facing increasing challenges. The more prominent and better-equipped Russian army has experienced a slowdown in its offensive capabilities, with a net loss of territory reported for the first time since 2024. The think tank emphasized that Ukrainian defensive positions are holding firm, with Ukrainian forces demonstrating greater tactical initiative despite ongoing Russian aggression and substantial manpower losses for minimal territorial gains.
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Hanna Arhirova and Barry Hatton contributed to this report.
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Follow the AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
