Russian drone attacks kill two in Ukraine amid ceasefire push

Russian drone strikes have killed at least two people in Ukraine, according to officials, as world leaders gathered in London to intensify discussions on increasing pressure on Moscow over the ongoing war.

The attacks come as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to meet leaders of France, Germany and Britain on Sunday to discuss the next phase of the conflict and possible pathways toward peace.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that a Russian drone strike killed a 56-year-old minibus driver in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.

In a separate incident, a 59-year-old man was killed in the central Dnipropetrovsk region after Russian drones and aerial bombs struck multiple districts, according to regional military authorities.

Officials also confirmed that a 35-year-old man was injured in the attacks, while infrastructure in affected areas suffered significant damage.

Ongoing escalation and battlefield shifts

Ukraine has reportedly regained more territory than it lost in recent months, according to analysis based on data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), marking a second consecutive month of gains.

Despite this, the conflict continues to inflict heavy civilian and economic costs, with widespread destruction and displacement across affected regions.

The war, now in its fourth year, has also contributed to economic strain in Russia, including rising prices, higher taxes, labour shortages, and increased borrowing costs.

Diplomatic efforts and ceasefire calls

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for direct peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating his readiness for a “full ceasefire” in an open letter.

World leaders are expected to explore diplomatic options and security guarantees during ongoing discussions in London.

Zelensky is also expected to hold high-level meetings with European leaders as pressure mounts on both sides to consider negotiations.

Russia rejects economic collapse claims

In response to Western assessments, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed claims that Russia’s economy is under severe collapse, insisting that it remains stable despite sanctions and war-related pressures.

He argued that Russia’s economic performance is comparable to that of some European economies, despite the ongoing conflict and international restrictions.