A Russian missile attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro has killed four people and injured 40, authorities have reported. Witnesses described a large explosion on the roadside, damaging an office building, vehicles, and nearby shops.
Dnipro, positioned around 100km from the frontline, has endured frequent attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. This recent strike coincides with a critical moment in diplomatic efforts to negotiate peace.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in the coming days, attempting to navigate the complexities of ending the ongoing conflict. Despite previous meetings yielding cautious optimism, serious disagreements persist, particularly with Russia's demands regarding the Donbas region.
Efforts for a peace plan have seen intense negotiations, although Zelensky expressed concern over the perception that the US may be leaning towards concessions for Russia, causing anxiety in Ukraine and Europe. Meanwhile, political turbulences within Ukraine, highlighted by recent resignations and scandals, complicate the landscape further as Zelensky works to rally international support.
Leaders and analysts continue to emphasize the high human cost of the conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and millions displaced since the war began.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the balance of diplomatic pressures and military actions will shape the future of Ukraine and its sovereignty.
