As diplomatic efforts continue, the conflict in ukraine remains a volatile situation with renewed fighting reported overnight. Following a third day of talks in Miami, U.S. and Ukrainian officials are urging Russia to commit to a peaceful resolution, while also addressing critical security concerns as evidenced by a newly approved $301 million U.S. missile sale to Italy.This comes amid reports of escalating attacks, including drone strikes within Russia itself and important damage to infrastructure in Ukraine.
A renewed wave of Russian attacks struck Ukraine overnight, as diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting peace continue. The escalation comes as U.S. and Ukrainian officials concluded a third consecutive day of talks in Miami, urging Russia to commit to a peaceful resolution. Separately, the U.S. State Department approved a $301 million sale of long-range missiles to Italy.
Russia: Ukrainian drones targeted Ryazan and Voronezh regions
Ukrainian drones struck the Russian regions of Ryazan and Voronezh overnight, causing damage but no casualties, local governors reported Saturday. The attack ignited a fire on the roof of a multi-story residential building, and debris from the drones fell on the grounds of “an industrial facility,” according to Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov. This year, Ukrainian drones have reportedly hit at least 17 major refineries.
U.S.: Progress toward an agreement depends on Russia’s willingness
The United States and Ukraine “agreed that real progress toward any agreement depends on Russia’s willingness to demonstrate a serious commitment to a lasting peace, including steps toward de-escalation and ending the killings.” This was stated in a note released by the U.S. State Department following two days of meetings between U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, and the Ukrainian Chief of the General Staff, Andriy Hnatov. Discussions are ongoing. “Americans and Ukrainians agreed on a framework for security agreements” and discussed “the deterrence capabilities needed to support a lasting peace.” Umerov reiterated that Kyiv’s “priority” is to reach an agreement that “protects its independence and sovereignty, ensures the security of Ukrainians, and provides a stable foundation for a prosperous democratic future.”
IAEA: Chernobyl protective dome is no longer secure
The protective dome over the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is no longer secure after being damaged by a Russian drone last February, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Based on an inspection conducted last week, the IAEA reported that the protective structure, completed in 2019 to contain radioactive material following the 1986 disaster, can no longer fulfill its primary function due to the damage. “The inspection confirmed that the structure has lost its key safety components, including containment capacity, but also found that no permanent damage was caused to its monitoring systems,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
Moscow: 116 Ukrainian drones shot down over Russian regions overnight
Moscow claims its air defenses shot down 116 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions overnight, the TASS news agency reported, citing the Ministry of Defense. Russian media reports indicate that a refinery in Ryazan was targeted.
At least three injured in Kyiv region during Russian attack
Three people were injured overnight in the Kyiv region during a heavy Russian missile and drone attack, local officials reported. Ukrainian media cited reports that the attack involved hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and dozens of drones targeting cities on the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital. Regional Governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported that a 42-year-old man was injured by shrapnel in the city of Fastiv, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Kyiv. Ukrainian railway authorities confirmed that Russia carried out a “massive bombardment on infrastructure” in Fastiv. Kalashnyk added that two women, ages 40 and 46, were injured in the Vyshhorodskyi district, just north of Kyiv.
Heavy attacks on Ukrainian cities, factories and power plants hit. Three missiles fired at Kyiv
Russia launched a heavy attack on Ukrainian cities. The raid began shortly after midnight and is feared to continue until dawn. Tupolev bombers armed with cruise missiles were reportedly approaching. The most significant damage so far is in Fastov, an industrial center 60 kilometers from the capital, where the railway station was destroyed and a mechanical plant reportedly hit. Explosions were reported in Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv. Three hypersonic Kinzhal missiles were launched toward Kyiv, which was also targeted by drones, prompting residents to seek shelter in the metro. The primary targets appear to be power plants, in an attempt to disrupt recent repairs. The thermal power plant in Kryvyi Rih is on fire, and another was reportedly hit in Kyiv, leaving half the city without power.
(by Gianluca Di Feo)
Umerov: “We confirmed to the U.S. that Kyiv’s priority is the country’s independence”
The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, “reiterated that Ukraine’s priority is to achieve an agreement that protects its independence and sovereignty, ensures the security of Ukrainians, and provides a stable foundation for a prosperous democratic future.” Umerov wrote this on X, detailing his meeting with U.S. Special Envoy for Peace Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The meetings covered the outcomes of a recent U.S.-Russian summit and potential steps toward ending the war. “The United States and Ukraine also agreed on a framework for security agreements and discussed the deterrence capabilities needed to support a lasting peace,” Umerov explained. “Both sides agreed that real progress toward any agreement depends on Russia’s willingness to demonstrate a serious commitment to long-term peace, including steps toward de-escalation and ending the killings.”
U.S. State Department approves missile sale to Italy for $301 million
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale to Italy of long-range air-to-surface missiles and related equipment, estimated at a total cost of $301 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the approval. The missiles are manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The potential sale, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department, “will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a NATO ally that represents a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.” It will also “enhance Italy’s ability to confront current and future threats by providing advanced long-range strike systems for use on Italian fighter aircraft, including, but not limited to, F-35s.”
New round of U.S.-Ukraine talks today in Miami
The U.S. and Ukraine will hold another round of talks today in Miami, the Trump administration announced. Both sides reportedly agreed that real progress toward any agreement depends on Russia’s willingness to demonstrate a serious commitment to a lasting peace, including steps toward de-escalation and ending the killings. The U.S. and Ukraine also agreed on a framework for security agreements and discussed the necessary deterrence capabilities to support a lasting peace.
