“Just before the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia launched an airstrike on Ukraine, resulting in dozens of casualties.”
“According to AFP and Reuters, local time in the early morning of the 18th, a five-story apartment in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, was hit by a Russian drone strike, causing at least seven deaths and dozens of injuries, as reported by Ukrainian officials and President Zelensky.”
“The deceased included an 18-month-old girl, and several children were among the injured.”
“Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that, hours before this attack, a Russian ballistic missile strike had injured at least 11 people.”
“In Zaporizhzhia, three people were killed, and 20 were injured in a missile attack.”
“In the southern Odesa region, a large fire broke out at fuel and energy facilities following a drone attack by Russia in the early hours.”
“President Zelensky criticized via X (formerly Twitter), stating that the attacked energy facility is an Azerbaijani company, calling it ‘an attack on our relationships and energy security’.”
“He further reported on the series of attacks, describing them as ‘Russia’s show of force and self-serving airstrikes,’ noting ‘they are aware that a meeting for the end of the war convenes today in Washington.'”
“He argued that ‘Russia’s war machine shows no restraint and continues to destroy lives,’ suggesting that ‘Putin will persist in demonstrative killings to pressure Ukraine and Europe and humiliate diplomatic efforts.'”
“He emphasized, ‘This is why we need support to end the killings, reliable security guarantees, and why Russia must not be rewarded for waging this war.'”
“The Ukrainian Air Force reported that overnight, Russia launched 140 drones and four missiles across Ukraine, striking 25 sites in six regions, with 88 drones shot down.”
“On this day, President Zelensky meets with European leaders and President Trump at the White House to discuss negotiation strategies with Russia to end the war.”
“The discussion is expected to focus on persuading Ukraine with peace agreement terms President Trump discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 15th, which may involve ceding some Ukrainian territories to Russia in exchange for Western security guarantees for Ukraine.”
“[Photo credit: Reuters=Yonhap News]”