Increased aerial assaults by Kyiv and Moscow intensify as the US pushes for a ceasefire between the warring nations.

A Russian drone strike has claimed the lives of at least four individuals and injured 21 others in Dnipro, an eastern Ukrainian city, according to the regional governor. The attack has led to significant damage to high-rise buildings and ignited fires in a hotel and residential areas, despite Russia’s claims of ground advancements elsewhere.

Late Friday, Russia launched over two dozen drones on Dnipro, as reported by the governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, Sergiy Lysak, on his Telegram account Saturday.

The governor highlighted the extensive damage and fires caused by the massive attack. Among the damaged structures were a hotel and restaurant complex, 11 private houses, garages, and a service station. Visual evidence online displayed flames, smoke, and the shattered interiors of buildings, with the upper floors of a high-rise apartment block significantly damaged and streets littered with debris.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pointed out that Russia had deployed more than 170 drones into Ukraine overnight, targeting areas in Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi regions.

Russia Claims Gains on the Ground

On Saturday, Russian forces announced the capture of Panteleimonivka and Scherbaky in Ukraine’s Donetsk region and Veselivka in the northeastern Sumy region. These areas are already under partial Russian occupation, as reported by the Interfax news agency and the Russian Ministry of Defence. Additionally, the Russian state-run TASS confirmed the capture of Veselivka.

In response, Russia’s Defence Ministry accused Ukraine of attacking its energy facilities in the past 24 hours. The ministry reported repeated strikes on power grids in the Belgorod region, leading to approximately 9,000 residents being left without power.

Both Russia and Ukraine have intensified their aerial attacks, right as US President Donald Trump urges both countries to agree on a ceasefire following three years of devastating conflict.

Moscow is preparing for a new military offensive in the upcoming spring to increase pressure on Kyiv and bolster its negotiation position in ceasefire talks, according to Ukrainian government and military analysts.

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a “transitional administration” in Ukraine and affirmed his army’s determination to defeat Ukrainian forces.

Zelenskyy dismissed Putin’s proposal for a UN-run administration as yet another tactic by the Russian leader to delay a peace agreement, claiming, “Russia is mocking international peacekeeping efforts, prolonging the war and instilling terror since there is no substantial pressure exerted.”

Nonetheless, the United States continues its efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the Black Sea region and halt strikes on energy infrastructure in both countries.

Although both parties have agreed to these truces in principle, their implementation remains uncertain. Accusations of sabotage continue to be traded between Russia and Ukraine, hindering the progress towards peace.