Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned recent large-scale Russian attacks as a clear indication that Moscow is retreating from efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict. The offensive, which took place overnight and involved 574 drones and 40 missiles, represents one of the most significant assaults since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The strikes resulted in the death of one person and injured at least 22 others across several regions, with many targets located in western Ukraine. Notably, a missile attack on the US-owned Flex electronics firm in the Zakarpattia region has raised concerns about Russia’s intentions regarding US-led peace initiatives. Zelenskiy characterized this strike as a “telling” signal about Russia’s disinterest in pursuing diplomatic resolutions.
In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy stated, “Now the signals from Russia are simply, to be honest, indecent. They are trying to back away from the need to hold meetings. They don’t want to end the war.” He suggested that the missile attack on the Flex facility, described as a manufacturer of appliances, was deliberate and aimed specifically at US investments in Ukraine.
The attack on the Flex facility caused significant damage to storage areas and was part of a broader assault that included multiple strikes in the city of Lviv, where one person was killed, three were injured, and 26 homes were damaged, according to Governor Maksym Kozytskyi. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, authorities reported damage to businesses, residences, and vital infrastructure, including gas lines.
Despite the recent escalation, Russia has not publicly responded to Zelenskiy’s claims regarding the targeting of the US-owned facility. The Kremlin maintains that it does not intentionally target civilians or civilian infrastructure. Russian officials have, however, stated that they struck Ukrainian energy and military facilities during the latest offensive.
As diplomatic efforts continue, US President Donald Trump has emphasized the importance of dialogue, suggesting there was agreement for a bilateral meeting between Zelenskiy and Vladimir Putin. Trump recently met with both leaders to discuss potential resolutions but acknowledged that the Kremlin may not be genuinely interested in ending the conflict.
In Washington, chiefs of defense from the United States, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Britain, and Ukraine convened earlier this week. On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed Moscow’s readiness for “honest talk” regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. Lavrov also criticized Ukraine’s European allies for excluding Russia from discussions, describing their actions as “adventurism.”
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with thousands of Ukrainians and a considerable number of Russian soldiers reported killed or wounded since the invasion began. As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely for any signs of meaningful negotiations to bring an end to the war.
