Russia fired more than 500 drones and two dozen missiles at Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian authorities said Wednesday. The attacks injured at least five people and targeted civilian and energy infrastructure as winter approaches.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said strikes were concentrated on western and central regions, calling them “demonstrative.” He accused Moscow of acting with impunity and urged tougher sanctions on Russia’s war economy.
The latest assault comes as Zelenskyy pushes European allies for more military aid and as US-led peace efforts stall. He has agreed to proposals from President Donald Trump for a ceasefire and direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has been cautious, insisting a summit would require prior groundwork by lower-level delegations.
Putin, speaking in Beijing after a four-day visit, said a settlement was possible if “common sense prevails.” He praised Trump’s “sincere desire” for peace but warned that Moscow would continue military operations if diplomacy fails.
Diplomatic manoeuvring is intensifying. Putin met Chinese leader Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Beijing. Washington says their cooperation bolsters Russia’s war effort: Pyongyang has sent troops and ammunition, while China and India continue to buy Russian oil.
European officials are increasingly vocal about China’s role. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Beijing supplies up to 80% of Russia’s dual-use imports, helping sustain the invasion.
In Europe, Zelenskyy met leaders in Denmark and Paris to push for more weapons and financial backing. He said a US-sourced, Europe-financed weapons fund has secured over $2 billion, with a goal of adding $1 billion monthly. British Defence Secretary John Healey also visited Kyiv to discuss military cooperation.
French President Emmanuel Macron said 35 coalition members have now pledged defence commitments, adding Europe is prepared to provide security guarantees once a peace deal is signed. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said clarity on contributions could come after Paris talks but warned against overstretching alliance resources.
For Ukraine, the stakes remain immediate. Zelenskyy said Russia is building up forces at the front and expanding daylight drone attacks. “Unfortunately, so far we have not seen any signals from Russia that they want to end” the war, he said.
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With inputs from Associated Press
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