KYIV, Ukraine — A series of drone attacks launched by Russia throughout Ukraine late Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals, according to Ukrainian emergency services and local officials.
The strikes, targeting regions including the capital city, Kyiv, unfolded ahead of anticipated peace negotiations in Saudi Arabia. During these talks, Ukraine and Russia are poised to partake in indirect discussions facilitated by the United States on Monday, aimed at pausing long-range attacks impacting energy sectors and civilian infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the Ukrainian delegation is scheduled to meet with U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia a day prior to the indirect discussions. Ukraine plans to send technical teams to flesh out the specifics of the proposed ceasefire.
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy, expressed optimism during a “Fox News Sunday” segment, anticipating considerable advancement at the discussions in Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the potential for achieving a ceasefire in the Black Sea, which could lead to a broader cessation of hostilities.
Concerns regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s longer-term ambitions, potentially extending beyond Ukraine, were addressed by Witkoff, who has previously shared his perspective on Putin’s strategic intents.
Witkoff remarked, “I just don’t see that he wants to take all of Europe. This situation is vastly different from World War II. NATO exists now, and European countries are armed. Thus, assuming his word holds true. Ultimately, though, the focus is on halting the violence and resolving the conflict.” When queried on Putin’s alleged desire for peace, Witkoff conveyed his belief in Putin’s inclination towards it.
Russia unleashed 147 drones across Ukraine overnight, with Ukrainian air defenses intercepting 97, and 25 being diverted by other countermeasures, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The regions of Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Odesa, and Donetsk were targeted, in addition to Kyiv.
In Kyiv, a drone strike resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a five-year-old child, while 10 others sustained injuries, reported the city’s military administration. Explosive sounds resonated through Kyiv as air raid alerts persisted for over five hours, and debris from low-flying drones crashed into residential buildings.
Residents awoke on Sunday to assess the damage inflicted on their homes in Kyiv, with many expressing skepticism towards the forthcoming ceasefire talks. They cited the destruction from the drone attacks as revealing Russia’s actual intentions.
Dmytro Zapadnya, residing in a multistory building damaged by the attack, voiced his mistrust of Russia’s adherence to any ceasefire agreement. “There’s no point in signing anything with the Russians. It won’t even match the cost of the paper it’s signed on,” he stated, adding that he felt the U.S. had a limited understanding of Ukraine’s predicament.
Separately, Russian strikes in Ukraine’s Donetsk region claimed four lives, including three in an attack on the frontline town of Dobropillya, regional Governor Vadym Filashkin disclosed.
In a social media post, President Zelenskyy acknowledged that such attacks are an everyday reality for Ukraine. He highlighted that in the current week alone, more than 1,580 guided bombs, nearly 1,100 strike drones, and various missiles were used against Ukrainians. Zelenskyy urged for “new solutions, and increased pressure on Moscow to halt these assaults and the ongoing conflict.”
Additionally, on Sunday, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed to have downed 59 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 29 in Rostov and 20 more in southwestern Astrakhan. In Rostov, one individual lost their life, and a vehicle caught fire following a Ukrainian drone strike, according to temporary Governor Yuri Slyusar.
In Novostroyevka-Pervaya, a Russian village near the Belgorod border, a Ukrainian drone attack resulted in a woman’s death after hitting her vehicle. Her daughter, who was driving, sustained severe injuries, reported local Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
