Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine in a month, firing 270 drones and 10 missiles at central Ukraine just hours after US President Donald Trump held peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The strikes targeted key energy infrastructure, leaving thousands without power.
Ukraine's air force reported downing 230 drones and six missiles, but 40 drones and four missiles hit 16 locations. The Poltava region was particularly affected, with blasts shaking the city of Kremenchuk and causing power outages. Governor Volodymyr Kohut said no casualties were recorded, but nearly 1,500 residential and 119 commercial customers lost power in the Lubny district.
Russia's defence ministry claimed to have struck an oil refinery supplying fuel to Ukrainian forces, according to Interfax. Kremenchuk is home to Ukraine's only oil refinery, which has been repeatedly attacked. Ukraine's energy ministry condemned the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law, noting over 2,900 attacks on energy infrastructure since March.
Kremenchuk Mayor Vitalii Maletskyi said the attack occurred while Putin assured Trump of his desire for peace. 'Once again, the world has seen that Putin does not want peace — he wants to destroy Ukraine,' Maletskyi said on Telegram.
Meanwhile, Putin's aide Yury Ushakov expressed gratitude to Trump for the Alaska summit, claiming progress toward a peaceful resolution. He said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations.
