Russian strikes batter Ukraine as Zelenskyy accuses Putin of stalling peace talks
Share and Follow


Russia launched another massive overnight attack across Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of dragging out peace negotiations and pushed for fresh meetings with the U.S. and European allies.

The latest strikes killed at least two people and injured dozens more on Friday night, according to Ukrainian officials, while the nations air force reported that 582 drones and missiles were fired across the nation, the vast majority intercepted.

“Eight people have been hospitalized, among them two children, a 10-year-old boy, and 16-year-old girl, Ivan Fedorov, governor of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya region, said Saturday morning.

The assault followed Thursday’s massive attack on the capital Kyiv, which Zelenskyy said killed at least 25 people — including four children — injured dozens more, and cut power to 60,000 residents.

Authorities in the capital declared Friday an official day of mourning.

The latest bombardments are among the most intense to hit Ukraine during the three-and-a-half-year war, underscoring both Russia’s escalating tactics and the paralysis of international mediation despite weeks of negotiations and diplomacy.

President Donald Trump hosted his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska for a whirlwind summit two weeks ago aimed at breaking through the in the war. European leaders then traveled at the Oval Office to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine.

Trump has since pushed to arrange a summit between Zelenskyy and Putin, but peace talks have stalled amid heavy bombing of Ukraine by Russia which has dragged its feet over a meeting.

Zelenskyy accused Moscow Friday of stalling by insisting that lower-level officials complete groundwork before any summit between Putin and Zelenskyy.

That reasoning, he told reporters in Kyiv, is “artificial … because they want to show the United States that they are constructive, but they are not constructive.”

Zelenskyy said he hopes to meet next week with Trump and European leaders to revive stalled peace efforts.

Trump, frustrated by Putin’s delays on direct talks with Zelenskyy, said a week ago he expected to decide on next steps in two weeks if direct talks aren’t scheduled.

At an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Friday, the U.S. warned Russia to move toward peace and meet with Ukraine or face possible sanctions. The meeting was called following major Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv.

Ukraine has accepted a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire and a summit between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, but Moscow has raised objections.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration approved an $825 million arms package on Thursday, including extended-range missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.

The State Department said Thursday it had notified Congress of the sale, and that Ukraine would use funding from NATO allies in addition to U.S. foreign military financing to pay for the equipment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
OceanGate Titan submersible damaged on multiple dives before catastrophic implosion, NTSB report finds

NTSB Report Reveals OceanGate Titan Submersible Sustained Damage Prior to Catastrophic Implosion

A sharp new report delving into the Titan submersible tragedy, which claimed…
Trump says he authorized CIA action inside Venezuela

Revealed: Trump’s Secret CIA Operations in Venezuela Uncovered

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. To enjoy the best experience…
Smucker sues Trader Joe's, saying its new PB&J sandwiches are too similar to Uncrustables

Smucker’s Legal Battle: Accuses Trader Joe’s of Copying Iconic Uncrustables with New PB&J Line

The J.M. Smucker Co. has initiated legal action against Trader Joe’s, accusing…
'Arc de Trump' designed by president himself to mark America's 250th

President Trump Unveils Self-Designed ‘Arc de Trump’ for America’s 250th Celebration

Donald Trump has set his sights on another ambitious endeavor, this time…
Florida bill would require minors to get parental consent for STD testing

Proposed Florida Legislation Seeks Parental Consent for Minors’ STD Testing

In a significant legislative move, a new bill has been introduced in…
FILE - New York City Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa speaks during a New York Young Republicans Club vigil for Charlie Kirk at Madison Square Park on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Kena Betancur,File)

Cuomo and Sliwa Challenge Mamdani’s Rising Popularity in NYC Mayoral Debate Showdown

NEW YORK (AP) — The spotlight turns to New York City as…
Judge faces threats after granting pretrial release to murder suspect

Judge Receives Threats Following Decision to Grant Pretrial Release to Murder Suspect

In Rockford, Illinois, Winnebago County’s chief judge has expressed strong disapproval over…
Democrats ramp up pressure on Mike Johnson to seat Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva

Democrats Intensify Efforts to Urge Speaker Mike Johnson to Officially Seat Rep.-Elect Adelita Grijalva

WASHINGTON — In a heightened effort, Democrats are intensifying their demands on…