KYIV, Ukraine — Intense aerial confrontations erupted between Russia and Ukraine overnight, with both nations claiming the deployment of over 100 enemy drones targeting each other’s territories. This escalation unfolded shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff engaged in discussions regarding an American initiative for a 30-day ceasefire to pause the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Putin expressed conditional support for a ceasefire, emphasizing that several issues require resolution before reaching an agreement. While Kyiv has already welcomed the ceasefire proposal, Ukrainian authorities remain skeptical of Moscow’s potential adherence to such a deal. In Kyiv, after virtual discussions with Western allies hosted by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated support for the short-term ceasefire to facilitate broader peace negotiations, despite anticipating Russia’s potential disruptions through stipulations and “buts.”
Prime Minister Starmer urged allied nations to maintain pressure on Putin to consent to a ceasefire in Ukraine, lauding Ukraine’s commitment to peace. He suggested that Putin will eventually have to enter negotiations. Earlier, Zelenskyy accused Moscow of amassing forces along the border, indicating Russia’s abandonment of diplomatic resolutions and intent to extend hostilities.
Zelenskyy also warned of “specific, harsh and straightforward” retaliatory measures from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump if Russia rejects the U.S. proposal. The Ukrainian president reassured that Ukrainian troops remain steadfast in Russia’s Kursk region, countering claims that they had been encircled by Russian forces.
In communications on Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov deliberated on subsequent actions following meetings in Saudi Arabia, agreeing to continue efforts to restore bilateral dialogue, as reported by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Ukraine’s air force reported a significant Russian offensive involving 178 drones and two ballistic missiles targeting the nation. The attack utilized a mix of Shahed-type drones and decoys aiming to disrupt air defenses. Ukrainian forces managed to intercept 130 drones, with an additional 38 failing to hit their mark. Russian strikes on energy facilities inflicted considerable damage, affecting infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions, as stated by Ukraine’s private energy firm DTEK, which is working diligently to restore power to affected homes.
In Russia’s Volgograd region, drone debris caused a blaze near a Lukoil oil refinery in the Krasnoarmeysky district, disclosed by Governor Andrei Bocharov. While further details were sparse, local airports briefly suspended operations, though no casualties were reported. The Volgograd refinery has frequently been targeted by Ukrainian forces since the full-scale invasion began over three years ago, including a drone strike last February.
