Overview
- Russia launched massive drone attacks on Odessa and Zaporizhzhia, causing fires, injuries, and significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
- Ukraine retaliated with its largest drone strike to date on the Russian region of Saratov, escalating tensions ahead of the talks.
- Ceasefire negotiations, set to begin in Saudi Arabia, aim to halt attacks on energy infrastructure but face challenges from ongoing violence.
- The US, EU, and France are increasing their diplomatic and military involvement, with France hosting a summit to discuss European security guarantees and military support for Ukraine.
- Russia has demanded an end to Western military aid to Ukraine as a condition for broader negotiations, while Ukraine seeks security guarantees to agree to any ceasefire.