Russia Escalates Attacks on Ukraine as Peace Talks Begin Without Kyiv

Widespread missile and drone strikes target critical infrastructure, causing significant damage and civilian casualties across multiple regions.

Russian forces have launched extensive air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, using missiles and over 160 drones, damaging gas and energy facilities in regions like Kharkiv, Odesa, and Poltava.
Ukraine's air defenses successfully downed 87 drones overnight, while others were lost due to electronic countermeasures, with no reported damage from those that vanished.
Civilian areas in cities such as Kherson, Sloviansk, and Huliaipole were struck, resulting in multiple casualties, including children, and significant destruction of residential buildings.
The attacks coincide with U.S.-led peace discussions in Saudi Arabia that excluded Ukraine, drawing criticism from Kyiv and European allies.
Ukrainian officials emphasize the continued resilience of their forces, repelling numerous Russian assaults on the frontlines while addressing the aftermath of ongoing airstrikes.