Russia’s Major Drone and Missile Strike Puts Peace Talks in Doubt
Russia unleashed its largest drone and missile strike on Ukraine in over a month, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Thursday. The attack came just days after a flurry of diplomacy—including a meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin, as well as a U.S.-hosted summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders—aimed at ending the conflict.
Heavy Toll from Overnight Strike
President Zelensky reported that Russia launched 574 attack drones and 40 missiles, reaching as far west as Lviv. Tragically, the strikes and subsequent shelling in eastern Ukraine killed nine civilians.
One of the most significant hits impacted Flex Ltd., an American-Singaporean electronics manufacturer operating in Zakarpattia. The attack injured at least 19 people, six of whom remain hospitalized.
“Russia continues to destroy and humiliate U.S. investments in Ukraine,” said Andy Hunder, head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.
Zelensky called it “a deliberate strike on American property,” noting that such actions revealed no willingness from Moscow to engage in peace talks.
Diplomatic Momentum Stalls
The assault has cast doubt on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Paris condemned the attack as evidence of Russia’s lack of interest in a genuine peace process.
Zelensky has signaled openness to “some compromise,” emphasizing his willingness to negotiate provided there’s a period of calm and security assurances.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, however, poured cold water on hopes for any imminent summit. While he said Russia is open to a meeting with Zelensky, he added it must follow agreement on all key issues—and suggested that Russia doesn’t recognize Zelensky’s legitimacy as Ukraine’s president.
Lavrov also reiterated that foreign troop deployment in Ukraine is “absolutely unacceptable.”