Zelensky says Russian strikes killing 23 show no change in war tactics

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that Russia’s latest deadly strikes show “no real change” in Moscow’s attitude toward the war, even as Russian President Vladimir Putin told U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff his country was ready to resume trilateral talks with Washington and Kyiv. The comment came after a wave of Russian missile and drone attacks hit several Ukrainian cities, killing at least 23 people and injuring dozens more.

The statement matters because peace talks have been stalled for months. After the United Nations‑backed ceasefire talks in Geneva collapsed in early summer, the United States and Europe have pushed for a new diplomatic round that could involve direct talks between Moscow, Kyiv and Washington. Putin’s overture to Witkoff on Wednesday was seen as a possible opening, but the sudden escalation of strikes raised doubts about Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith. Ukraine has been warning that any pause in fighting must be matched by concrete steps, not just rhetoric.

The attacks targeted the industrial hub of Kryvyi Rih, the port city of Odesa and a residential district in Kharkiv. Russian air defence systems launched a mix of Kh‑59 cruise missiles and Shahed‑136 loitering munitions. Ukrainian officials confirmed 23 deaths, including three children, and more than 70 injuries. Zelensky condemned the strikes as “a blatant attempt to intimidate the Ukrainian people and derail diplomatic efforts.” The United States called the attacks “unacceptable” and warned that further aggression could trigger additional sanctions. NATO allies expressed solidarity with Kyiv and reiterated their commitment to provide air‑defence systems.

Analysts say the next steps will hinge on whether Putin follows through on his invitation to resume talks. Kyiv has said it will not engage in negotiations while Russian forces continue large‑scale attacks on civilian areas. The United States is expected to press Russia for a verifiable ceasefire before any formal talks resume. If Moscow persists with strikes, Western leaders warn that diplomatic channels could close permanently, leaving Ukraine to rely on military aid and sanctions to blunt the Russian offensive. The coming days will test whether the trilateral dialogue can survive the renewed violence.