Russia has carried out a large-scale drone attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, just hours after Donald Trump secured victory in the US presidential election. The attack, which lasted for eight hours, resulted in significant destruction, including the damage to an apartment block and a cancer hospital in Zaporizhzhia. At least four people were killed, and 18 others, including three children, were injured in the strike. Ukrainian officials reported that two babies were among the wounded.
The assault on Kyiv began early on Wednesday morning with the distinct sound of Iranian Shahed drones, followed by explosions and gunfire as Ukrainian air defenses attempted to intercept the incoming missiles. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, confirmed that five districts of the city were hit, and at least 30 drones were intercepted. Debris from the falling missiles caused fires in a high-rise building, injuring one person. Further airstrikes targeted Odesa, Kherson, and Sumy provinces, resulting in two more fatalities.
In response to the continued aerial bombardments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for increased international support, urging Western allies to provide more advanced air defense systems. He also pushed for the lifting of restrictions on the use of long-range Western weapons against targets inside Russia, emphasizing that Russia’s actions were undermining any potential for meaningful dialogue.
Zelenskyy strongly condemned the attacks, stating that Russia’s persistent strikes were not only costing lives but also destroying the credibility of any claims that Russia was open to negotiations. His remarks came as Russian officials, including Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, publicly suggested that the West should acknowledge Russia’s position in Ukraine and begin peace talks. Shoigu argued that the West’s failure to bring about a "strategic defeat" for Russia meant that Ukraine’s leadership was now facing a choice: either continue to receive foreign support or recognize the realities on the ground.
In a separate address at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin doubled down on his stance, accusing NATO of being an outdated and dangerous organization while reaffirming his position that Russia would continue to fight until it achieved its goals. Putin also implied that negotiations with the West were possible, but only on Russia’s terms.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, President Zelenskyy has expressed cautious optimism about continued US support, even with Trump’s return to the White House. Zelenskyy held a congratulatory phone call with Trump, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong US leadership to secure a just peace. However, there are concerns that Trump may reduce or cut military aid to Ukraine, which could further complicate Ukraine's position on the battlefield.
As the war in Ukraine enters another phase, the future of international support and the possibility of peace talks remain uncertain. The situation is further complicated by the aftermath of Trump’s election, which has raised questions about the direction of US foreign policy, especially regarding its involvement in the ongoing conflict.
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