Russia fired over 500 drones and two dozen missiles at Ukraine overnight, hitting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities in central and western regions, authorities said Wednesday. At least five people were wounded, Ukrainian officials reported.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strikes as “demonstrative,” accusing Vladimir Putin of showing “impunity” and calling for tougher sanctions on Russia’s war economy. The attacks come as Kyiv engages with European leaders to strengthen defenses and revive stalled U.S.-led peace efforts.
Zelenskyy visited Denmark and was due in Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on postwar security guarantees, while British Defense Secretary John Healey met Ukrainian officials on military aid. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said clarity is expected after the Paris talks on what each country can contribute without overstretching alliance resources.
Meanwhile, Putin met in China with Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, countries Washington says are indirectly aiding Russia’s war effort through troops, weapons, and oil purchases.