Russia launches fresh drone assault on Ukraine amid peace talks

WorldPolitics
19 Aug 2025 • 9:31 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine in a month, deploying over 280 drones and missiles, hours after Donald Trump held peace talks with Volodymyr Zelensky.
  • The assault primarily targeted central Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including an oil refinery in Kremenchuk, causing widespread power outages and large-scale fires.
  • Ukraine's air force reported successfully downing 230 drones and six missiles, though strikes were recorded at 16 locations.
  • Poltava was particularly impacted, with its governor confirming no casualties but significant damage to administrative buildings and power loss for nearly 1,500 residential customers.
  • Kremenchuk's mayor stated the attack, occurring during peace discussions, showed Putin's intent to destroy Ukraine, despite Putin's aide expressing gratitude to Trump for progress towards a peaceful resolution.

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