Russian Drones Strike Ukraine, Injuring 15 in Zelenskyy's Hometown

Russia launched an attack with drones on four Ukrainian cities, including Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown, injuring at least 15 people. The attack mainly targeted energy infrastructure.

The bombardment occurred on Tuesday night, before a September 2 deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a peace deal in the three-year war. Moscow could face severe sanctions from Washington if no deal is reached.

No date has been announced for a potential third round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Previous talks only resulted in prisoner swaps.

Russia deployed 400 drones and a ballistic missile during the attack, hitting targets in Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, Vinnytsia, and Odesa. Power was cut for 80,000 families in Kryvyi Rih and surrounding areas.

President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a stronger defense against such attacks. Meanwhile, President Trump pledged to provide more weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot air defense systems, and threatened additional sanctions on Russia.

Despite international efforts, the conflict has resulted in numerous casualties, with over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians killed in Russian attacks, according to the United Nations.