Additional Coverage:
Ukraine Reels from Russia’s Largest Missile Barrage in Weeks
Ukraine was hit Thursday with the most intense barrage of Russian missiles and drones in over a month, resulting in the deaths of nine civilians and sparking international condemnation. The attacks, which reached as far west as Lviv, come just days after high-profile meetings between US, Russian, and Ukrainian leaders aimed at finding a path to peace.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia unleashed 574 strike drones and 40 missiles overnight. Among the targets was an electronics manufacturing facility owned by Flex Ltd., an American-Singaporean company, in the Zakarpattia region.
At least 19 people were injured in the strike. Zelensky suggested the attack on the American-owned facility was intentional, stating, “The Russians knew exactly where they were hitting.”
Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, echoed this sentiment, stating that Russia “continues to destroy and humiliate US businesses in Ukraine.” A Flex spokesperson confirmed the attack, noting that six employees remain hospitalized, but emphasized the company does not produce military equipment.
The French Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, calling them evidence of Russia’s unwillingness to engage in serious peace negotiations. Zelensky expressed frustration at the timing of the attacks, noting they occurred despite ongoing international efforts to end the war. He called for a stronger response from the international community and questioned Moscow’s commitment to meaningful negotiations.
While Zelensky recently signaled a willingness to compromise on his demand for a ceasefire before talks with Putin, provided certain security guarantees are in place, Russia appears less receptive. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that while the Kremlin is open to a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, all issues must be resolved beforehand.
Lavrov also cast doubt on Zelensky’s legitimacy as a negotiating partner and warned against the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine. He further accused Ukraine of being uninterested in a lasting peace settlement.
These statements contradict the White House’s assertion that plans for a bilateral meeting are underway.