A devastating Dnipro missile strike claimed at least four lives on Monday morning. The Russian ballistic attack also left more than 40 people injured in the eastern Ukrainian city. Striking a busy commercial district, the blast destroyed offices, shops, and vehicles just 100km from the front line.
Diplomatic Push Follows Dnipro Missile Strike
This tragedy unfolds during a pivotal moment for international diplomacy. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday. These talks represent a renewed effort to negotiate a settlement to the war.
Notably, Witkoff has engaged with Putin multiple times this year. However, he has not yet visited Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian leadership.
Florida Meetings and Sticking Points
Prior to the Moscow trip, a Ukrainian delegation met senior U.S. figures in Florida. The group held discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jared Kushner on Sunday.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the dialogue as “very constructive.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged that “tough issues” remain unresolved regarding a potential peace plan.
Consequently, major disagreements continue to stall progress. Russia demands a full Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas region, a condition Kyiv flatly rejects. Furthermore, the two sides remain at odds over security guarantees, specifically regarding Ukraine’s potential NATO membership.
Internal Politics and European Support
Domestic instability has further complicated Zelensky’s diplomatic leverage. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, recently resigned following anti-corruption raids on his home. Donald Trump referenced this turmoil on Sunday, dismissing the scandal as “difficult little problems.”
Meanwhile, Zelensky arrived in Paris on Monday to meet President Emmanuel Macron. He aims to solidify European backing amid fears that the U.S. may favor Russian terms in future negotiations.
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