Explosions were reported in Kyiv early on May 16 during a Russian drone attack, just hours before peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are set to begin.
“Explosions in the capital. Air defense forces are working,” Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced at 6:38 a.m. local time.
Russia has continued to launch missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, often targeting civilian infrastructure. These attacks come even as both countries prepare to sit down for direct negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly pushed for a 30-day ceasefire. On April 23, he stated that Ukraine demands an “immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire.”
The peace talks, initially scheduled for May 15, are now expected to begin on May 16. However, progress may be difficult as Russia has reportedly made sweeping demands during the negotiations, which are being facilitated by the United States.
Tensions surrounding the talks have increased after Moscow announced that it would send a lower-level delegation, led by presidential advisor Vladimir Medinsky, who is known for his role in state propaganda. Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend, despite appeals from Zelensky and other world leaders for him to be personally involved.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna criticized the move on May 15, calling Putin’s absence a “slap in the face.”
