Kiev launched a series of drone strikes against Russia overnight. This response came after one of the deadliest attacks in more than three years of conflict, which left at least three individuals dead.
Ukrainian military officials reported that the drone strikes targeted storage facilities and oil refineries linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s campaign in Ukraine. Among those affected were security personnel from an industrial site near the border. Field reports indicated that several frontline combatants were killed in the strikes, along with an elderly man who was hit by debris from a downed drone.
The drone assault caused significant damage and led to a large fire at the Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery in Russia. Russian media described the sight as large orange flames, evoking imagery of a nuclear explosion with thick smoke billowing from the site.
In related developments, two Ukrainians were reported dead in Carson, north of Crimea, early Saturday, as per the local junta’s report.
Additionally, an overnight attack in Kalkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, resulted in injuries to eleven civilians.
This retaliatory strike by Ukraine occurred just a day after the capital held a day of mourning for 31 people who were killed and over 150 injured in a devastating assault, including five children.
“It’s impossible to justify what Russia is doing,” stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on social media.
He emphasized that Thursday’s assault on residential buildings had no military justification whatsoever.
The ongoing Russian aggression continued this week, even after President Trump set a deadline of August 8 for a ceasefire aimed at de-escalating the situation.
According to Trump, diplomatic efforts led by Steve Witkov were set to engage with Russia regarding the conflict.
However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that there had already been some discussions with the Kremlin earlier with no tangible outcomes achieved.
Trump has signaled potential new economic sanctions against Russia if progress does not materialize. Meanwhile, Senator John Tune (R-SD) is prepared to back a proposal from Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), which has garnered support from over 80 senators.
“Only sanctions will persuade Moscow to work for real peace,” Zelensky expressed in a video statement.
Following the expedited deadline earlier this week, President Putin introduced a new proposal for peace negotiations, according to reports.
Despite suggesting the formation of three working groups to facilitate talks, the Russian side insisted that discussions remain confidential.
“It was agreed that these negotiations can be conducted without cameras and without political nonsense. In a gentle way, it is focused on finding compromises,” Putin remarked.
With post wire
