Russia’s Drone Attack on Kyiv Kills Three Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
A deadly drone strike by Russia on Kyiv resulted in at least three fatalities including a child, before upcoming ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia. The attack also injured over ten individuals and damaged residential buildings. U.S. and Ukrainian officials are preparing to discuss terms for safety and list exclusions for military strikes at the talks.
In the latest developments of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian forces executed a drone attack on Kyiv that resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, including a five-year-old child. The Kyiv city military administration confirmed that the assault led to injuries for over ten other people and ignited multiple fires throughout the city, particularly affecting residential buildings in the Dnipro district.
Local officials reported that two residential structures caught fire from drone debris while a fire on the upper floors of a nine-story building resulted in the death of one woman. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, remarked on the situation, stating, “Today, the Russians are once again demonstrating their ‘desire for peace.’ In reality, terrorists are simply launching deadly weapons at residential buildings.”
This assault coincided with imminent ceasefire discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia, slated for later today. The talks, which will be led by Andrew Peek from the National Security Council and Michael Anton from the State Department, aim to bring U.S. officials together with Ukrainian counterparts before meeting Russian officials in the coming days. Notably, Ukrainians and Russians will not share the same meeting space.
A significant part of the negotiations is expected to include a list from the Ukrainian delegation that specifies energy infrastructure not to be targeted by Russian military action. Additionally, U.S. and Russian experts will engage in discussions to secure shipping safety in the Black Sea, as stated by the Kremlin. Both President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have previously endorsed a partial ceasefire concerning energy and civilian infrastructures, though each side has accused the other of breaching this agreement.
The recent drone attack on Kyiv underscores the ongoing violence in the Ukraine conflict, as civilian casualties continue to rise despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. As ceasefire talks approach, the situation remains tense, with both sides highlighting violations and emphasizing the safety of infrastructure. The outcome of these discussions in Saudi Arabia will be pivotal in addressing the humanitarian situation amid the fighting.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
