Russian air strikes on Ukraine have continued overnight, hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a 'very constructive' phone call with Donald Trump's negotiating team following three days of talks in Florida.
Early on Sunday, the mayor of Kremenchuk, a major industrial hub in central Ukraine, reported that the city had been repeatedly struck in a 'massive' attack. No deaths have been confirmed so far.
Meanwhile, Russia announced it had shot down 77 Ukrainian drones across various regions.
Aerial assaults have persisted even as efforts to negotiate an end to the war have intensified, including detailed Ukraine-US talks in Miami aimed at drafting a peace settlement acceptable to both sides.
Zelensky reiterated his determination to collaborate with the US, detailing his conversations with Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner at the conclusion of those negotiations.
Hours following these discussions, Kremenchuk Mayor Vitaliy Maletsk reported that the city had sustained a 'massive combined strike' on its infrastructure. Water, electricity, and heating services were disrupted for many residents.
The city, strategically positioned between Kyiv and the front lines in eastern Ukraine, has been under relentless attack since the onset of Russia's invasion in February 2022.
The White House has urged Kyiv and Moscow to agree on a multi-point plan to end the conflict, yet indications of a breakthrough remain elusive despite both parties engaging in US-led discussions.
'Ukraine is committed to working in good faith with the American side to genuinely achieve peace,' Zelensky expressed on social media.
'We covered numerous aspects and went through key points that could ensure an end to the bloodshed and eliminate the threat of a new full-scale Russian invasion.'
Russian strikes in the early hours of Sunday followed a broader attack the previous day, prompting significant criticism from Kyiv's European allies.
In a social media post, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his commitment to support Ukraine and facilitate de-escalation measures. Ukrainian and European leaders are expected to meet in London to further discuss securing comprehensive security guarantees for Ukraine, including the possibility of deploying a peacekeeping force.
Meanwhile, US and Ukrainian negotiators have called upon Russia to demonstrate its commitment to a long-lasting peace.
The ongoing conflict highlights the challenges of achieving a ceasefire, as diplomatic efforts continue amidst escalating military actions.
