Russia carried out large-scale drone attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and the port city of Odesa early yesterday. The strikes killed one person and hit a maternity hospital, according to Ukrainian officials. The attacks have sparked renewed calls for international sanctions on Russia.
Moscow has continued its aggressive actions against Ukraine, while Kyiv has responded with attacks inside Russian territory. However, peace talks over the weekend failed to make any significant progress toward ending the ongoing war, which has now lasted three years.
Though the two sides agreed to exchange prisoners, Russia has rejected calls for an unconditional ceasefire, and talks have stalled.
“Russia lies every day about wanting peace and attacks innocent people every day. It’s time for sanctions, time to support Ukraine with weapons, and time to prove that democracy has power,” said Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, in a statement on Telegram.
In Odesa, a 59-year-old man was killed in Russian strikes on residential buildings, and at least four others were injured. Odesa Governor Oleg Kiper confirmed the attacks, stating, “The enemy attacked Odesa with strike drones. Civilian infrastructure has been damaged, and fires have broken out.”
Among the buildings hit were a maternity hospital and an emergency medical ward. Fortunately, the maternity hospital was evacuated before the strike.
In Kyiv, explosions, anti-aircraft fire, and the sound of drones were heard by a journalist. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the capital was facing a massive attack, with several districts affected. At least four people were injured, and fires broke out in buildings and cars.
Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities have become a daily occurrence. On Sunday, Russia launched a record 479 explosive drones at Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
In response, Ukraine has also carried out attacks on Russian territory, focusing on transportation and weapons infrastructure. Russia’s transport agency, Rosaviatsia, confirmed temporary flight restrictions at Saint Petersburg’s Pulkovo airport, with similar measures affecting 13 other airports.
Despite efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to mediate a ceasefire, peace talks in Turkey have reached an impasse. The only tangible agreement reached over the weekend was an arrangement for the release of seriously wounded or sick prisoners of war, as well as those under the age of 25.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has criticized the Russian delegation, calling further talks pointless as they have refused to agree to a ceasefire. He dismissed the Russian negotiators as “empty heads.”
On Sunday, Russia claimed responsibility for attacks on the Dnipropetrovsk region, which borders partially Russian-controlled areas of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. This is the first time in over three years of conflict that Russian forces have targeted this region.
“Russia only understands strikes, not words,” Yermak said, indirectly criticizing the U.S. administration for its handling of the conflict.
Russia has demanded that Ukraine cede the territories it claims to have annexed and refrain from joining NATO. Moscow has also rejected Ukraine’s demand for a 30-day ceasefire, arguing that it would allow Ukrainian forces to rearm with Western supplies.
Ukraine is demanding Russia’s full withdrawal from its territory and security guarantees from the West, labeling Russia’s demands as “ultimatums.”
