Russia launched more than 100 drones across Ukraine on Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed, following a deadly barrage that killed at least eight civilians. The attacks come as US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin suggest the war may be nearing an end, though no evidence supports their claims.
Overnight Strikes Target Infrastructure
Zelenskyy stated that the overnight attacks struck residential areas and railway infrastructure in the Dnipro and Kharkiv regions, port facilities in Odesa, and energy sites in Poltava. On Tuesday, 14 regions were targeted. He warned that global attention on the Iran conflict encourages Russia to intensify its assaults.
Trump and Putin Hint at Peace
Trump told reporters he believes a deal to end the war is close, while Putin echoed that the invasion may be "coming to an end." However, US-led diplomatic efforts have stalled over key issues like territorial concessions and security guarantees for Ukraine.
European governments are reassessing the possibility of engaging with Putin, despite years of sanctions and isolation.
Ukraine Gains Momentum
Ukraine has shifted from pleading for aid to offering drone expertise to allies. Its long-range strikes have disrupted Russian energy and manufacturing. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 286 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions and Crimea.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russia's spring offensive has stalled, with its forces losing territory for the first time since 2024. Ukrainian lines are holding, and they have contested the tactical initiative in several front-line areas, while Russia suffers heavy manpower losses for minimal gains.
