Russia Launches Massive Missile and Drone Attack on Kyiv as US-Ukraine Peace Talks Resume in Geneva

As diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Ukraine resumed in Geneva aimed at ending the war now entering its fifth year, Russia carried out one of its most extensive aerial assaults in recent months, striking Kyiv and several other regions across Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Thursday that Russia launched a total of 39 missiles and 420 drones overnight. The barrage included 11 ballistic missiles, with strikes targeting residential neighborhoods and critical infrastructure facilities in at least eight regions of the country.

According to Ukrainian officials, dozens of civilians were injured in the attacks, including children. However, authorities have not yet released a fully verified casualty count. Emergency services were deployed across affected areas as rescue operations continued into the morning.

Zelenskyy stated that the strikes hit electrical substations in the Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, as well as gas infrastructure in the Poltava region. In addition to the capital, emergency crews responded in at least five other locations nationwide.

Despite the scale of the assault, Ukraine’s air defense systems managed to intercept most of the incoming missiles and drones. Zelenskyy credited Western allies for the timely delivery of additional air defense interceptors, emphasizing that continued foreign military support remains crucial in countering Russia’s superior firepower.

US-Ukraine Talks in Geneva Continue Despite Escalation

Just hours before the renewed Russian offensive, Zelenskyy revealed that he had spoken by phone with US President Donald Trump, praising his “engagement” and “efforts” in advancing diplomatic discussions aimed at securing a peace agreement.

The talks in Geneva form part of a broader US-brokered effort to negotiate an end to the war between Moscow and Kyiv. However, the primary obstacle remains Russia’s claim over Ukrainian territories, which continues to stall progress toward a comprehensive settlement.

The Kremlin has invited Zelenskyy to Moscow, an offer he declined. At the same time, Russian President Vladimir putin has rejected Zelenskyy’s proposal for a direct summit, arguing that such a meeting would only be meaningful if it guaranteed concrete results.

Kushner and Witkoff Participate in Diplomatic Discussions

Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, met in Geneva with US officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The American envoys were initially in Switzerland for nuclear discussions with Iran before shifting focus to the European conflict.

According to Umerov, discussions centered on economic support for Ukraine, post-war recovery strategies, frameworks for long-term cooperation, and initiatives to attract foreign investment. The delegations also addressed potential future prisoner exchanges and preparations for another round of trilateral negotiations that would include Russia.

Washington has been attempting to maintain diplomatic momentum after more than a year of sustained mediation efforts. However, Ukrainian and European leaders have accused Putin of using peace negotiations strategically to delay additional US sanctions while continuing military operations on the ground.

Ukrainians Express Doubts About Peace Prospects

On the streets of Kyiv, public reaction to the Geneva talks remains mixed. While many Ukrainians express a deep desire for peace, skepticism persists about potential territorial concessions and long-term security guarantees.

Vitalina Yefimenko, 55, from the southern city of Mykolaiv, said she longs for peace but fears future aggression. “Of course we want peace, we really want it,” she said, adding that she worries Russia could attempt another invasion even if a deal is reached. “If something is sacrificed, I believe the South will come next. It’s frightening. I don’t want to leave my country.”

Roman Cheremisienov, 56, a Kyiv resident, questioned the motivations behind current US policy. He argued that American efforts may be driven more by business considerations than genuine peacebuilding and said he remains cautious about Washington’s intentions.

Meanwhile, psychological consultant Dariia Kuzmenko, 33, urged resilience. She noted that Russia’s economy continues to suffer under international sanctions and argued that Ukraine must maintain steady pressure. “We need to keep defending our position,” she said. “Our politicians must not give up or be afraid.”

Exchange of Fallen Soldiers Highlights Ongoing Human Toll

In a separate development, Vladimir Medinsky, who previously led Russia’s delegation in negotiations with Ukraine, stated that Russia had returned the bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers while receiving 35 Russian servicemen in exchange. He did not clarify when the exchange took place.

Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirmed the return, noting that the bodies were transferred based on preliminary information provided by the Russian side and would undergo identification procedures.

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, 17 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight over several Russian regions as well as the Black Sea and Azov Sea areas. Ukraine has used long-range domestically produced drones to target military logistics hubs, fuel storage facilities, and oil refineries deep inside Russian territory.

Russia Repeats Unsubstantiated Nuclear Allegations

Amid the escalating conflict, Russia renewed claims that European countries are secretly preparing to supply Ukraine with nuclear weapons or components of a so-called “dirty bomb.” No evidence has been presented to support these allegations.

The lower chamber of Russia’s Parliament passed a statement calling on European lawmakers and the United Nations to block what it described as a potential transfer of nuclear materials to Kyiv.

The accusations followed remarks by Russia’s foreign intelligence service, which alleged that France and the United Kingdom were planning covert transfers of nuclear-related equipment. Officials in both countries dismissed the claims as false and unfounded.

As missile strikes continue and diplomacy struggles to gain traction, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains deeply entrenched, with both military escalation and international negotiations unfolding simultaneously.