Russia launched a series of drone strikes on Kyiv, targeting railway infrastructure, warehouses, and fuel stations, just hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump to discuss peace efforts. The attacks, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in at least two fatalities and 22 injuries, according to city authorities. This was one of the heaviest strikes since Russia began attacking Kyiv and nearby areas over the summer.
The drone strikes caused significant damage to the city, with explosions heard and smoke billowing above the city centre. The EU ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, took to social media to describe the scene, saying that buildings nearby the EU delegation were burning. The attacks hit various areas, including a nine-storey non-residential building, a business centre, and warehouses, according to Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday to discuss ways to address Ukraine's budget deficit, which has grown due to rising military expenditure. Zelensky attributed the increased spending to Russia's escalating airstrikes. The Ukrainian leader also met with President Trump, discussing a potential bilateral ceasefire on energy-related targets and requesting increased supplies of US Patriot air defence missiles.
Zelensky expressed his willingness to engage in "any format" of an energy ceasefire with Moscow, provided that Russia halt its attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure. However, no agreements were reached during the meeting with Trump. The Kremlin responded on Wednesday, stating that the grounds for future peace talks with Ukraine were still not in place and that there were no plans for high-level meetings.
The drone strikes also targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with Ukrainian oil company Ukrnafta reporting that one of its petrol stations in the capital was hit. This was the sixth such facility attacked in recent weeks. Energy worker Mykola Nechypurenko expressed scepticism about the prospects for an energy ceasefire with Russia, citing the ongoing threat to energy infrastructure as long as the war continues.
Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, CEO of the Ukrainian railway operator, confirmed that railway infrastructure came under attack in Kyiv, resulting in one worker being injured. The attacks have raised concerns about the potential for a wider escalation of the conflict. Zelensky's efforts to secure a ceasefire and additional military aid from the US and Europe are ongoing.
The situation in Kyiv remains tense, with residents and officials bracing for potential further attacks. The city's infrastructure and economy have been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict, and efforts to secure a lasting peace continue.
Key points
- Russia launched drone strikes on Kyiv hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump.
- The attacks resulted in at least two fatalities and 22 injuries, and targeted railway infrastructure, warehouses, and fuel stations.
- Zelensky expressed willingness to engage in an energy ceasefire with Moscow, but no agreements were reached.
