Russia Pounds Ukraine Even as Zelensky Aims to Revive Peace Talks

Kyiv, Ukraine – June 10, 2024

As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renews efforts to revive stalled peace negotiations, Russia has intensified its military offensive, launching fresh missile strikes across Ukraine. The escalating violence highlights the challenges of diplomacy amid ongoing warfare, despite international calls for de-escalation.

Fresh Russian Strikes Hit Ukrainian Cities

Russian forces targeted multiple regions overnight, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia, with ballistic missiles and drone attacks. While Ukrainian air defenses intercepted some projectiles, critical infrastructure and civilian areas suffered significant damage, leading to casualties.

In Kharkiv, a residential building was destroyed, killing at least five and injuring a dozen. Local officials accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians, while Moscow claimed it was attacking military sites. The persistent assaults on Kharkiv, located just 30 kilometers from the Russian border, have forced mass evacuations, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

In Zaporizhzhia, a power plant was severely damaged, leaving thousands without electricity. Ukraine’s Energy Ministry warned of potential rolling blackouts as repairs continue.

Zelensky’s Peace Push Amid Escalation

Despite the intensified attacks, President Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks but stressed that territorial integrity remains non-negotiable.

“Every day of war brings more suffering. We are open to dialogue, but not at the cost of our sovereignty,” Zelensky stated. His comments come ahead of a high-profile peace summit in Switzerland, where global leaders will discuss ceasefire and reconstruction efforts.

Russia, however, dismissed the summit as “pointless,” demanding recognition of annexed territories—Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—as a precondition for talks, a condition Ukraine and the West reject.

Western Support and Political Divisions

The U.S. and EU continue backing Ukraine, with a recent $61 billion U.S. aid package approved. However, political divisions in the West raise concerns about sustained support.

French President Emmanuel Macron suggested potential NATO troop deployments to Ukraine, a proposal met with mixed reactions. Meanwhile, Hungary’s Viktor Orban criticized further arms shipments, urging immediate negotiations.

Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

The UN reports over 10 million Ukrainians displaced, with aid groups struggling to reach besieged areas.

“Winter was brutal, but summer offers no relief,” said Lina Vityk, a Red Cross volunteer in Dnipro. “Each attack pushes more families into despair.”

What Comes Next?

With the war in its third year, peace prospects remain uncertain. Analysts suggest Russia’s offensive aims to strengthen its negotiating position, while Ukraine faces delays in Western arms deliveries.

Civilians remain caught in the crossfire as the world watches whether Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts will gain traction or be overshadowed by further escalation.

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Byline: Rahul Mehta, Senior Correspondent, NextMinuteNews
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