Peace talks stall as Russia–Ukraine war intensifies again

International Desk. PNN

At least 16 people have been killed in Ukraine following massive Russian missile and drone attacks, according to local authorities. The overnight attacks caused widespread damage in Kyiv and several other cities and regions.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched a total of 659 drones and 44 missiles in the past 24 hours. Ukraine’s air defense claims it intercepted 636 drones and 31 missiles.

The worst impact was seen in the southern port city of Odesa, where multiple missile strikes killed at least 9 people and injured 23 others, said regional military chief Serhii Lysak.

In Kyiv, separate attacks killed at least 4 people, including a 12-year-old child. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 48 people were injured and several buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure were damaged.

In the central Dnipropetrovsk region, 3 people were killed and 34 injured, according to local authorities.

Russia’s defense ministry claimed the strikes targeted Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure, calling them retaliation for Ukrainian attacks inside Russia.

Meanwhile, Russian authorities said Ukrainian drone strikes on the Black Sea port city of Tuapse killed several people, including two children.

European Council President António Costa described the attacks as “an attempt to deliberately terrorize civilians.”

Analysts say that as the war continues, attacks and counterattacks are intensifying, and the lack of progress in peace talks is worsening the situation.