Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated that Moscow is not prioritizing a swift resolution to the conflict. According to major media, Lavrov stated that the question of continuing negotiations is not Russia's highest priority. Russia, Ukraine, and the US have not met for talks since mid-February. However, research from two sources indicates that negotiators from both countries were in Geneva yesterday for separate talks with US officials, part of a fraught negotiation process being pushed by President Donald Trump in a bid to end the fighting. The latest barrage came as Ukrainian negotiators were due to meet US officials yesterday in Geneva for talks on post-war reconstruction, including a 'prosperity package' of funding to rebuild Ukraine’s economy, despite a deadlock in peace negotiations with Russia.
Russia's negotiating position remains uncompromising. According to major media, Lavrov said that Russia will not push for new meetings. He added that Russia has not forced any negotiations on anyone and always acts on the principle that if partners are ready, so are they. Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks recognition of all occupied land as Russian, for Russia to be given all of the regions it claims but does not fully occupy, guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO, curtailment of Ukraine's military, and the lifting of sanctions against Russia. This stance has been consistently maintained by Moscow throughout the conflict.
Ukraine's position presents significant obstacles to any agreement. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks a full withdrawal of Russian troops, the return of prisoners and kidnapped Ukrainian children, prosecution of Russian leaders for war crimes, and security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression. Several rounds of discussions have failed to clinch a deal, with Moscow insisting on hardline territorial and political demands that Kyiv has ruled out as tantamount to capitulation, according to research from two sources. Top officials in Russia again pushed back on the idea a deal was close, research from two sources indicates, highlighting the persistent deadlock.
The military escalation included strikes on the Ukrainian capital. The Ukrainian air force reported high-speed targets heading toward the capital shortly before Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said Russia was striking the city with drones and ballistic missiles. Kyiv police said debris sparked fires and damage in three districts, including a blaze in non-residential buildings, a smashed balcony window in a high-rise and a fire at a two‑storey house. No casualties were reported, and emergency crews and investigators worked through the morning to secure the sites and document the damage, research from two sources confirms. The attacks disrupted daily life and underscored the ongoing violence.
In the northeast, the Kharkiv region suffered significant casualties. Regional chief Oleg Synegubov said that in the city of Kharkiv and a nearby village, 14 people were wounded, among them a seven‑year‑old boy. The strikes caused extensive damage to residential areas and infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Southern Ukraine also faced heavy bombardment. Towards the south, Zaporizhzhia also came under heavy fire, research from two sources reports. Regional head Ivan Fedorov said seven people were wounded, after strikes damaged 19 apartment blocks, four houses and other buildings. In Kryvyi Rig in the Dnipropetrovsk region, two people were wounded, according to research from two sources. These attacks targeted civilian areas, leading to injuries and property destruction.
The overnight strikes prompted an international response. Poland said on X that it scrambled fighter jets in response to the attacks, reflecting regional security concerns. This action was taken as a precautionary measure amid the escalating violence.
Planned negotiations have been postponed due to the Iran war, according to major media. This delay further complicates efforts to resume peace talks, adding to the uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts.
Several key unknowns persist regarding the negotiations and their aftermath. The specific demands currently on the table in the Geneva negotiations have not been detailed publicly. Additionally, the current status of the 'prosperity package' for Ukraine's reconstruction discussed in Geneva is uncertain. The exact total number of people injured in the Russian strikes across Ukraine yesterday may be higher than the confirmed figures. Why the planned negotiations were postponed due to the Iran war also remains unexplained. These gaps in information hinder a full assessment of the situation.