Russia launched a major overnight aerial assault on four Ukrainian cities, injuring at least 15 people and striking critical energy infrastructure, AP News reports. The attacks come as tensions escalate ahead of a looming September 2 deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for a potential peace deal in the ongoing conflict. According to Ukrainian officials cited by AP News , the barrage targeted Kharkiv in the northeast, the central city of Kryvyi Rih, hometown of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as Vinnytsia in the west and the southern port city of Odesa. The Ukrainian air force s

Russia launched a major overnight aerial assault on four Ukrainian cities, injuring at least 15 people and striking critical energy infrastructure, AP News reports. The attacks come as tensions escalate ahead of a looming September 2 deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for a potential peace deal in the ongoing conflict. According to Ukrainian officials cited by AP News, the barrage targeted Kharkiv in the northeast, the central city of Kryvyi Rih, hometown of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as Vinnytsia in the west and the southern port city of Odesa. The Ukrainian air force stated that Russia deployed 400 Shahed drones and decoy drones, along with one ballistic missile during the nighttime assault. This strike is part of an intensifying aerial campaign by the Kremlin, which continues to focus on civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. President Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, stating, “Russia does not change its strategy,” and called for “more air defense, more interceptors, and more resolve so that Russia feels our response.” The bombardment comes amid a diplomatic impasse. No date has yet been confirmed for a third round of direct peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Two earlier meetings yielded no substantial breakthroughs beyond prisoner exchanges. President Trump, in comments made on Monday, promised to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities by sending additional military support, including Patriot air defense systems. He also threatened stronger sanctions against Moscow should the Kremlin fail to engage in a peace agreement by the set deadline. This marks Trump's firmest stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin since returning to office nearly six months ago. However, some U.S. lawmakers and European officials have expressed concerns, warning that the 50-day timeline could inadvertently give Russia room to seize more territory before any agreement is reached.

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