KYIV, Ukraine, 24 March:
A wave of Russian drone attacks struck multiple regions across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, ahead of U.S.-mediated ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia. The talks, set for Monday, March 24, 2025, aim to establish a partial ceasefire focusing on energy facilities and civilian infrastructure.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian officials would meet with U.S. representatives a day before the negotiations. Technical teams will also be dispatched to discuss the specifics of the proposed ceasefire.
Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about the talks, particularly regarding a potential Black Sea ceasefire. “From that, you’ll naturally gravitate into a full-on shooting ceasefire,” he said. Addressing concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s broader ambitions in Europe, Witkoff suggested that Putin had no interest in expanding beyond Ukraine, adding, “The agenda is stopping the killing, stopping the carnage, let’s end this thing.”
However, doubts persist among Ukrainian citizens. The latest Russian assaults killed three people, including a five-year-old child, and injured ten others in Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 97 out of 147 drones launched overnight, while 25 failed to reach their targets due to countermeasures. Strikes also hit Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Odesa, and Donetsk. Residents, surveying the devastation in Kyiv, expressed skepticism about Russia’s commitment to peace.
“There is no point in signing anything with the Russians,” said Dmytro Zapadnya, 37, whose building was damaged in the attack. “Now, the United States seems to have little understanding of our situation.”
Meanwhile, four people were killed in Russian attacks on Donetsk, including three in the frontline town of Dobropillya. Zelenskyy condemned the continued assaults, revealing that Ukraine had faced over 1,580 guided aerial bombs, nearly 1,100 strike drones, and 15 missiles in the past week alone.
Russia also reported Ukrainian drone attacks, claiming to have downed 59 drones overnight. One person was killed in Rostov, and a woman died in the Belgorod region when a drone hit her car.
Despite the mounting casualties, hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough remain uncertain as both sides brace for the Saudi-hosted negotiations.
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