Ukraine’s Zelensky accused Russia of failing to change its position on the war after a wave of ballistic missile strikes following talks between Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff. The attacks targeted Kyiv and other regions, killing at least two and wounding over 30. Zelensky dismissed Putin’s offer to restart peace talks, calling it a failure to change stance.
Zelensky said the attacks began almost immediately after Witkoff and Putin’s meeting in St. Petersburg. The strikes included a deadly attack on a market in Lozova, killing two women and wounding dozens. Zelensky accused Russia of using cluster munitions, which could constitute war crimes. Moscow has intensified attacks as sanctions ease, emboldening the Kremlin.
Ukraine has called for advanced Patriot interceptors from the US to defend against missiles and drones. NATO has allowed Ukraine to buy weapons through its procurement agency. Zelensky warned of more strikes, citing Moscow’s advantage from slowed defense supplies. The White House’s stance remains unclear, with concerns about aligning with Russia.
Zelensky backed resuming trilateral talks with Russia and the US, despite previous failures. The talks, which have not yielded progress, are seen as a potential path to ending the conflict. However, the recent attacks and renewed tensions suggest the war remains far from resolution.