Russian missiles kill at least 20 in Ukraine ahead of Saudi Arabia peace talks

The Ukrainian government stated that Russian forces launched over 100 attacks in the past day, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 Ukrainians. These attacks have exacerbated tensions in Ukraine and sparked widespread concern from the international community. The ongoing conflict continues to pose a significant threat to the region's stability.

According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, at least 14 people were killed and 30 injured, including 5 children, in a nighttime missile and drone attack by Russia on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dobropillia. The ministry noted that Russian forces used ballistic missiles, multiple rocket launchers, and drones to attack the city, causing damage to multi-story buildings and vehicles, creating a dire situation. These attacks underscore the devastating impact of the conflict on civilian populations.

Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, stated that another 3 people were killed and 7 injured in a drone attack in the city of Bohodukhiv. These attacks occurred days before upcoming ceasefire talks between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia, aimed at finding a way to end the conflict. The international community hopes these talks will yield a positive outcome.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose new sanctions and tariffs on Russia, but stated that working with Moscow might be "easier" than working with Kyiv in efforts to end the three-year-long war. This comes after Trump publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a White House meeting and suspended U.S. aid to Kyiv, claiming it was to encourage diplomacy. Trump's stance has added complexity to the already challenging situation.

President Zelenskyy is scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He stated that his team will "remain in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners," and emphasized that "Ukraine is most interested in peace." Previously, he reiterated his call for both sides to cease airstrikes on critical infrastructure, believing that the first step towards establishing genuine peace should be to stop Russian and Ukrainian air and sea attacks. Zelenskyy's commitment to peace talks is crucial for de-escalation.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that its air defense systems destroyed 31 Ukrainian drones over the past night, most of them within the Krasnodar Krai region. Furthermore, Ukrainian drones attacked Russia's Kirishi oil refinery, with air defense forces shooting down one approaching drone and another over the facility. Leningrad Oblast Governor Alexander Drozdenko stated that "the external structures of one of the reservoirs were damaged by falling debris." These incidents highlight the ongoing aerial warfare between the two countries.

EU leaders have expressed concerns about a potential U.S. withdrawal and have agreed to strengthen the EU's defense capabilities. U.S. envoy Steve Vitkov said he would discuss a "preliminary ceasefire" with Ukrainian negotiators and a "framework" for a longer-term agreement at the talks in Saudi Arabia. Washington stated that negotiations with Kyiv to secure a ceasefire agreement with Moscow are back on track after the public rift between Trump and Zelenskyy. The involvement of international actors remains vital for achieving a lasting resolution.