💥 Russia Launches New Strike on Dnipro
A Russian missile attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro has left four people dead and around 40 others injured, local officials reported.
Initial assessments suggest that a ballistic missile may have been used in the early morning strike.
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| 🔥 Deadly Missile Strike Hits Dnipro as Global Peace Talks Intensify |
Videos circulating online showed a powerful explosion near a motorway, with debris scattered across nearby shops, offices, and vehicles.
Dnipro—located roughly 100 km (62 miles) from the front line—has faced repeated bombardment since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
🌍 Peace Efforts Continue Amid Escalating Violence
The attack occurred just one day before U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss ending the war.
Witkoff has held several meetings with Putin this year but has never visited Kyiv, raising concerns among Ukrainian leaders.
On Sunday, a Ukrainian delegation met with:
- Steve Witkoff
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Donald Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner
The talks were described as constructive but challenging, with both sides acknowledging the need for more negotiation.
This meeting forms part of a broader wave of “shuttle diplomacy”, with U.S. officials separately engaging Russia and Ukraine in search of a breakthrough.
⚔️ Core Disagreements Blocking a Peace Deal
Russia’s Position
Moscow insists Kyiv must withdraw from remaining territories in the Donbas region, a demand Ukraine has firmly rejected.
Putin warned that Russia would take these areas “by force of arms” if necessary.
Ukraine’s Position
President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of dismissing sincere attempts to end the war, saying Moscow continued to “scorn real peace efforts.”
Security Guarantees
A key sticking point is Ukraine’s demand for future protection—ideally through NATO membership or credible security guarantees.
Russia opposes NATO expansion, and Donald Trump has also stated he would block Ukraine’s membership.
🇫🇷 Zelensky Seeks European Support
Zelensky arrived in Paris on Monday to secure the backing of French President Emmanuel Macron, with a visit to Ireland planned next.
European leaders fear the United States is becoming more receptive to Russia’s positions—leaving Europe sidelined from critical negotiations.
🇺🇦 Internal Turmoil Weakens Kyiv’s Standing
Ukraine’s political landscape has been shaken by a corruption scandal:
- Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak resigned after an anti-corruption raid on his home
- Two cabinet ministers were dismissed
- Yermak has not been accused of wrongdoing
Trump commented on the scandal, calling it “a difficult little problem” and repeating his belief that both Russia and Ukraine want the war to end.
📉 Human Cost of a Prolonged War
Since the invasion began on 24 February 2022:
- Tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed or injured
- Thousands of civilians have lost their lives
- More than 7 million Ukrainians have fled the country
The roots of the conflict trace back to 2014, when Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was ousted and Russia responded by annexing Crimea and backing separatist uprisings in eastern Ukraine.
❓ What Do You Think?
With peace talks intensifying but major disagreements persisting, do you believe a real resolution is possible in the near future?