Escalation in Ukraine: Russian Drone Strikes and Diplomatic Tensions Amid U.S. Mediation Efforts
Two Killed in Kyiv and Over 120 Ukrainian Drones Intercepted as Trump Signals a Push for Negotiations to End the War.
Watan-Local Ukrainian sources reported that two people were killed and two others injured in Kyiv due to Russian shelling. Meanwhile, Russia announced today, Friday, that it intercepted dozens of drones launched by Ukraine overnight.
Acting head of the Kyiv Military Administration, Mykola Kalashynk, stated that the two fatalities were caused by a Russian drone strike targeting the Kyiv region. He added that at least two people were injured in a fire that broke out in a residential building in the area.
He confirmed that authorities are still verifying the list of victims and providing them with the necessary medical care.
121 Drones
On the other hand, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced today, Friday, that air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 121 drones launched by Ukraine overnight.
In a statement published on Telegram, the ministry stated that Ukrainian drones were shot down over 13 Russian regions, including seven drones that were intercepted over Moscow and its vicinity.
Both Moscow and Kyiv are trying to improve their positions ahead of potential negotiations at the start of U.S. President Donald Trump’s term. Trump had pledged during his presidential campaign to end the war in Ukraine immediately, sparking speculation that he might reduce U.S. aid to Kyiv to pressure it into making concessions to Moscow to end the war.
After being inaugurated as U.S. president last Sunday, Trump increased pressure on his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to reach a settlement to end the war, threatening to impose harsher economic sanctions if Moscow does not agree to end the conflict that has lasted nearly three years.
Yesterday, Thursday, Trump emphasized the necessity of halting the war and expressed his willingness to meet Putin immediately, affirming that Kyiv is ready to negotiate.
