Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged deadly strikes overnight, leaving nine people dead, officials reported on Sunday. The attacks occurred just a day before Ukraine's allies are set to gather in Paris for negotiations aimed at pressuring Russia to end its more than four-year war.
Russian Attacks on Ukraine
Russia launched a wave of drones and missiles at Ukraine, killing four people. In the central Dnipropetrovsk region, three people died, including two in a strike on an industrial enterprise in the city of Kryvyi Rig, according to regional officials. A separate drone attack on the southern city of Kherson killed a 48-year-old man, as reported by Mayor Yaroslav Shanko.
Ukrainian Strikes on Russian-Held Areas
Ukrainian strikes on the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region left four dead, while a long-range Ukrainian drone strike killed a man in Russia's Samara region, officials said. These attacks underscore the ongoing volatility along the front lines.
Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
The strikes come ahead of a Paris meeting of Ukraine's allies, where discussions will focus on pressuring Russia to end the conflict. US-led diplomatic efforts have stalled in recent months, as Washington has shifted its focus to its war with Iran. Moscow has escalated its campaign of ballistic missile strikes on Ukraine, killing dozens, including in the capital Kyiv, since July.
Air Defense Challenges
Ukraine's air defenses have come under strain from repeated Russian ballistic missile strikes. This week, the United States granted Ukraine permission to build US-designed Patriot air defense systems capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. However, it may be months before these systems enter production, leaving Ukraine vulnerable in the interim.
