European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, will speak to Donald Trump on Wednesday ahead of his summit with Vladimir Putin. The call comes just two days before the highly-anticipated meeting between the US President and the Russian leader, during which they will discuss possible options for peace in Ukraine.
Ukraine launched a massive attack inside Russia overnight, hours before the crucial diplomatic talks. A fire broke out in the industrial zone of Yaroslavl in the early hours of Tuesday, with a column of smoke and flames visible from miles away, and the roof of a factory collapsed after catching fire.
Drone strikes target Russian facilities
Ukrainian drones reportedly struck the Monocrystal synthetic sapphire plant in Stavropol, as the Express reports. Mayor Ivan Ulyanchenko confirmed that windows of a residential complex were shattered and cars were damaged by the drone attack, with a fire erupting in the building.
The cause of the Yaroslavl fire remains unconfirmed, with Russian officials not immediately blaming Ukraine for the blaze. Russia retaliated with artillery shelling on Dnipropetrovsk, injuring a woman and damaging two apartment buildings.
Ukrainian territorial gains
Ukrainian forces recaptured territory in the east, claiming to have taken the settlements of Stepne and Novokostiantynivka in Sumy region. Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed on Facebook that active operations were underway, with forces successfully advancing forward and liberating Ukrainian land.
The recapture follows Ukraine's retaking of the village of Bezsalivka on Sunday. Fighting continues on the frontline as diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of the Trump-Putin summit.
High-stakes diplomatic intervention
All EU leaders except Hungary's Viktor Orbán endorsed a statement supporting Ukraine's freedom to decide its future, as the Guardian reports. The unified European stance reflects growing concerns about being sidelined in crucial negotiations between the two leaders.
Zelensky has warned that Putin is not serious about peace and is preparing for new offensive operations, according to the Guardian. The Ukrainian leader has been seeking support beyond Europe, speaking with Indian Prime Minister Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Express", "The Guardian" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
