AZE.US
Russia has sharply intensified its aerial attacks on Ukraine as Washington and Kyiv attempt to revive diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
Kyiv and surrounding areas faced Russian attacks for a fifth consecutive day by the end of August, with drones striking residential, commercial and logistics facilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched nearly 1,500 drones against the country between Thursday and Sunday. More than half were described as new jet-powered models capable of flying significantly faster than conventional Shahed-type drones.
Ukraine does not yet possess enough specialized interceptor drones to counter the faster aircraft, forcing it to rely more heavily on combat aviation and conventional air-defense systems.
Ukrainian officials said at least 38 people were killed in the latest wave of attacks. Dozens more were reported injured. Claims concerning casualties and military damage could not all be independently verified.
Russian strikes also damaged warehouses and distribution facilities in the Kyiv region, temporarily disrupting deliveries to some supermarkets. Authorities said food shortages were not expected because retailers were reorganizing their supply chains.
An energy facility was damaged in the Chernihiv region, renewing concerns that Russia could again focus on Ukraine’s power system ahead of winter.
Ukraine, meanwhile, continued long-range attacks against Russian oil facilities, warehouses and industrial sites.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces intercepted 239 Ukrainian drones over 14 regions, Russian-occupied Crimea and the Black Sea.
Regional officials reported three deaths in Belgorod and four injuries following a drone attack in Yekaterinburg, more than 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine.
The military escalation coincided with renewed diplomatic contacts between Kyiv and Washington.
Zelensky described his telephone conversation with U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as detailed and constructive. U.S. and Ukrainian officials were reportedly discussing dates for a visit by the two envoys to Kyiv.
Witkoff and Kushner previously discussed American proposals with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin, meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Moscow was working to end the conflict but again insisted that any settlement must address what the Kremlin calls the war’s “root causes” – language associated with Russia’s longstanding political, security and territorial demands.
No new ceasefire terms, concessions or timetable for formal negotiations have been announced.
The military and diplomatic tracks therefore continue to move in opposite directions: contacts are increasing, but so is the intensity of attacks. Reuters reported that the latest Russian barrage severely disrupted daily life across Kyiv.
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