Kyiv (TDI): Russia launched massive overnight drone strikes on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and the southern port city of Odesa early Tuesday, killing one person and wounding several others, according to Ukrainian officials.
The attacks come amid an escalation in the war now entering its third year, with Ukraine also stepping up cross-border strikes into Russian territory. Over the weekend, a fresh round of peace talks ended without progress, save for an agreement to exchange certain categories of prisoners of war.
“Russia lies every day about its desire for peace and attacks people every day,” said Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office. “Time to impose sanctions. Time to support Ukraine with weapons. Time to prove that democracy has power.”
In Odesa, Governor Oleg Kiper reported that a 59-year-old man was killed and at least four others wounded in drone strikes that damaged residential buildings and critical health infrastructure, according to AFP.
In Kyiv, at least 12 explosions were heard as air defense systems engaged waves of drones. Fires were reported in multiple districts, with buildings and cars damaged.
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“Stay in shelters! The massive attack on the capital continues,” Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged in a statement around 3:00 a.m., noting that new groups of drones were still approaching the city.
Despite international pressure, the conflict remains deadlocked. Peace talks held in Türkiye over the weekend resulted only in a limited agreement to release seriously wounded prisoners of war and those under 25. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the Russian delegation as unwilling to make meaningful commitments, calling further dialogue “pointless.”
Read More: Russia, Ukraine Agree to Exchange PoWs, No Agreement on Ceasefire Still
Russia continues to demand that Ukraine forswear joining NATO and cede territories Moscow claims to have annexed. Kyiv, in contrast, insists on a full Russian withdrawal and long-term Western security guarantees.
Russia has also rejected a proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire supported by Ukraine and the EU, arguing it would allow Kyiv to rearm.
