Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled he would not make meaningful concessions in peace negotiations just hours before Moscow launched one of its largest drone assaults in months against Ukrainian cities.
The overnight barrage involved more than one hundred drones and decoys, with explosions reported across multiple regions. In Ternivka, located in the Dnipropetrovsk area, two people were killed and three others injured after strikes hit residential zones.
The escalation came on the heels of five hours of talks in Moscow between Putin and a United States delegation led by envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. Discussions reportedly touched on several potential peace frameworks, but the meeting ended without a breakthrough.
While Russia appeared open to minor elements of the proposals, the Kremlin refused to consider any terms involving territorial concessions or limitations on its control in the Donbas region. Putin stated plainly that there was “no point” in pursuing deeper compromises under the current circumstances.
The rapid shift from diplomacy to renewed attacks has cast significant doubt on near term hopes for peace. Analysts say the latest strikes demonstrate Moscow’s readiness to intensify military pressure even as diplomatic channels remain technically open.