Russian Drone Strike Kills Seven Before Ceasefire Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At least seven civilians were killed and dozens injured as Russia launched a massive drone attack across Ukraine, including Kyiv, just hours before U.S.-mediated ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine and Russia are expected to hold indirect discussions on limiting strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure. Despite peace efforts, both sides traded new attacks over the weekend.
Ukraine-Russia Drone Strike: Quick Looks
- Russia launched 147 drones across Ukraine overnight Sunday
- At least 7 killed, including a 5-year-old child in Kyiv
- Ceasefire negotiations expected Monday in Saudi Arabia
- U.S. special envoy expresses optimism for a partial truce
- Ukrainian forces to meet American counterparts ahead of talks
- Russian strikes hit Kharkiv, Donetsk, Sumy, Odesa, and Kyiv
- Ukrainians express deep skepticism over Russia’s intentions
- Russia claims it downed 59 Ukrainian drones in return
- Civilians also killed in Russian border regions from Ukrainian strikes
Russian Drone Strike Kills Seven Before Ceasefire Talks
Deep Look
Russian Drone Attacks Kill Seven as Ceasefire Talks Near in Saudi Arabia
KYIV, Ukraine — Just hours before U.S.-mediated ceasefire talks were set to begin in Saudi Arabia, Russia launched a devastating wave of drone attacks across Ukraine overnight Sunday, killing at least seven civilians and injuring many more.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia fired 147 drones during the barrage. Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepted 97, while another 25 failed to reach their targets due to electronic countermeasures. The rest struck cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, and Chernihiv.
Kyiv Under Fire Again
The capital endured one of the heaviest nights of aerial attacks in weeks. Three people, including a 5-year-old child, died in Kyiv, and at least 10 more were injured. Sirens blared for over five hours as low-flying drones evaded radar and peppered residential areas.
Damaged homes and shattered windows told the story of yet another night of terror. Residents expressed anger and disbelief that ceasefire talks could be taken seriously while attacks continued.
“There is no point in signing anything with Russia,” said 37-year-old Dmytro Zapadnya, standing outside a damaged apartment building in Kyiv. “They never keep their word. And the U.S. doesn’t seem to understand our situation anymore.”
Talks Proceed Despite Violence
Despite the bloodshed, Ukraine and Russia are expected to hold indirect negotiations in Riyadh starting Monday, with U.S. officials mediating. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that his delegation would meet with American counterparts ahead of formal talks, focusing on a proposed pause in long-range strikes, particularly on energy and civilian infrastructure.
The idea for a partial ceasefire came after President Donald Trump held calls with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin last week.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Sunday on Fox News that a truce in the Black Sea region could naturally lead to a broader cessation of hostilities.
“Our priority is stopping the carnage,” Witkoff said. “This isn’t about geopolitics right now — it’s about ending the bloodshed.”
Pressed on whether Putin could be trusted, Witkoff replied, “I feel that he wants peace.”
Continued Bloodshed in Donetsk
Elsewhere, four civilians were killed in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, including three people in the frontline town of Dobropillya, according to regional governor Vadym Filashkin.
In a national address, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of increasing pressure on Moscow to halt the attacks.
“This week alone, more than 1,580 guided aerial bombs, 1,100 strike drones, and 15 missiles were used against our people,” he said. “New solutions are needed. The world must do more.”
Russia Claims Counterstrikes
In response, Russia said it shot down 59 Ukrainian drones overnight Sunday, including 29 in the Rostov region and 20 more over Astrakhan. In Rostov, one person was reportedly killed and a vehicle was set ablaze.
In the Belgorod region, Russian authorities said a Ukrainian drone strike killed a woman and seriously injured her daughter when their car was hit.
Rising Skepticism
On the streets of Kyiv and in war-scarred towns across Ukraine, public faith in any diplomatic breakthrough remains low. Residents voiced deep skepticism about the sincerity of the Russian side, especially after relentless attacks on civilian areas.
“Every time they talk peace, they bomb harder the next day,” said Kyiv resident Olha Moroz, 52. “We’ve heard this before.”
Still, Zelenskyy continues to push for a 30-day ceasefire, even as Russia insists on conditions — including halting Western arms shipments and Ukraine’s military mobilization — that Kyiv and its allies reject.
What’s Next
While officials remain tight-lipped about the full agenda in Riyadh, Monday’s meetings may serve as a litmus test for future negotiations. A pause in the Black Sea region to secure shipping lanes and halt missile strikes on port cities is seen as a possible first step toward broader de-escalation.
As the violence persists, however, hope for peace remains fragile.
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