Ukrainian City of Kremenchuk Devastated by Massive Russian Strike Amid US-led Peace Talks
The central Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk suffered a massive combined strike by Russian forces overnight, targeting key infrastructure and plunging parts of the city into darkness, water shortages, and freezing conditions. The strike occurred just hours after intensive peace talks between Ukraine and the United States concluded in Florida, aimed at establishing a framework to bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
Kremenchuk Mayor Vitaliy Maletsky described the assault as a “massive combined strike,” emphasizing the severe damage to the city’s infrastructure, which has left sections of the population without water, heat, and electricity. As of Sunday morning, there were no confirmed casualties, but the disruption to civilian life has been profound.
This newest wave of bombardment took place despite President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing optimism about the discussions held with US negotiators, including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Zelensky characterized the talks as “very constructive,” underscoring Ukraine’s determination to continue working in good faith toward a peaceful resolution. The negotiation efforts reportedly focused on ways to ensure that Russia would comply with any future agreement.
Russia, meanwhile, claimed it intercepted 77 Ukrainian drones over several regions during the night, following similar large-scale attacks that have caused widespread concern among Kyiv’s European allies. These allies have been advocating for revisions to the US-led peace proposals, urging for stronger security guarantees for Ukraine, including the introduction of a multinational peacekeeping force.
The UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has championed the creation of a “coalition of the willing,” a group of steadfast allies who would back Ukraine’s defense to deter further aggression. On Saturday, a joint US-Ukrainian statement urged Moscow to demonstrate a “serious commitment to long-term peace,” following talks in Moscow that, while inconclusive, resulted in some agreement on the framework for security arrangements and deterrence measures.
In addition to the strike on Kremenchuk, the Kyiv Oblast region endured heavy Russian missile and drone attacks overnight, resulting in at least three injuries and extensive damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure across multiple regions including Kyiv, Chernihiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Kharkiv. Power outages remain widespread, with hourly blackout schedules implemented throughout Ukraine to manage limited energy supplies.
The attacks also targeted critical transportation infrastructure, with Kremenchuk’s main train station reportedly hit. Ukrainian officials condemned the assault as “militarily senseless,” highlighting the continuing humanitarian and tactical challenges faced amid the conflict.
These attacks represent the latest chapter in a series of relentless Russian offensives aiming to undermine Ukraine’s resilience and morale even as diplomatic channels pursue a pathway to peace. The dichotomy between the diplomatic progress and military escalation underscores the fragile and volatile nature of the current situation in Ukraine.
Reported by Erizia Rubyjeana