KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – In a series of nighttime assaults, Russian drones struck two Ukrainian cities, resulting in at least one reported death, as officials indicated that a new round of direct peace talks could be announced next week. The latest attacks took place in the southern port city of Odesa and the northeastern city of Kharkiv, primarily targeting residential areas and apartment blocks.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that a barrage of over 20 drones wounded nearly two dozen civilians, including two young girls aged 17 and 12. He condemned the attacks as targeted terror against the Ukrainian people and called for the United States and the European Union to increase economic pressure on Russia.
The situation remains tense as Russia has not shown any signs of diminishing its assaults, even after more than three years since the initial invasion of Ukraine. Currently, Russia is engaging in a summer offensive across a vast front line stretching approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and continues to execute long-range strikes aimed at civilian areas.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that an agreement on the dates for the upcoming peace talks is expected to be reached next week. Despite this statement, officials in Kyiv have not communicated any intentions to resume negotiations with Russia, which last took place in Istanbul on June 2. Nonetheless, Ukraine has expressed a willingness to support U.S.-led diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing a ceasefire.
Past discussions between the two nations have resulted in minor agreements concerning the exchange of prisoners and wounded soldiers but have not led to any substantial resolutions. The recent bombardment was particularly devastating for civilians, with reports of a fire caused by the strikes in Odesa engulfing a four-story residential building, which partially collapsed, injuring three emergency workers. Additionally, a fire spread to the upper floors of a 23-story high-rise, prompting the evacuation of around 600 residents.
In Kharkiv, eight drones reportedly targeted civilian infrastructure, leading to injuries of four individuals, including two children, according to Ukraine’s Emergency Service. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched 80 Shahed and decoy drones during the attack, of which 70 were either shot down or jammed by air defenses.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the Ukrainian leadership emphasizes the urgency for international support to counteract Russia's ongoing military aggression and humanitarian crisis faced by civilians.
