Ukraine Russia launches biggest wave of strikes on Ukraine for weeks

[CharlieH]

 

Ukrainian cities hit as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict gain momentum.

 

Ukraine has faced one of its most intense bombardments in recent weeks, with Russian forces launching 574 drones and 40 missiles, Ukrainian officials report. The attack resulted in one death in the western city of Lviv and injured 15 in the southwestern Transcarpathia region.

 

This escalation occurs as US President Donald Trump spearheads diplomatic moves to negotiate an end to the war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasised the importance of ending the conflict, especially considering the recent strikes.

 

President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to engage in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in neutral settings such as Switzerland or Austria. While open to various formats, Zelensky dismissed Budapest due to its political ties with Moscow, stating it was not ideal.

 

The possibility of direct negotiations emerged after Trump met Putin in Alaska and hosted Zelensky and European leaders at the White House. Initially, Trump proposed trilateral talks but later suggested that direct discussions between Putin and Zelensky might be more productive.

 

Ukraine’s air force announced successfully intercepting 577 of 614 airborne threats during the overnight assault, marking the most significant air attack since July. Unlike previous attacks focused on eastern regions, this offensive targeted western areas, with a mix of hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles.

 

In Lviv, missile strikes damaged over 20 civilian structures, including residential homes and a nursery, resulting in one fatality and injuries to three individuals. In Mukachevo, a US electronics plant that produces household goods was struck, leaving 15 wounded and highlighting the attack's widespread impact.

 

Despite the prospects of peace talks, Zelensky acknowledged Moscow has shown little genuine intent to engage in meaningful negotiations. He reiterated his reservations about Budapest as a host city, pointing to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's close relations with Moscow.

 

In the face of ongoing diplomatic discussions, military tensions continue as Russian troops reportedly mass in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Zelensky reported movements of forces from Kursk to Zaporizhzhia, suggesting continued conflict on the ground.

 

As diplomatic and military developments unfold, the international community remains vigilant, hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The BBC 2025-08-20