RUSSIA LAUNCHES DEADLY STRIKE ON KHARKIV DURING ‘PRODUCTIVE’ US-UKRAINE TALKS. (PHOTO).

 Russia launches deadly strike on Kharkiv during ‘productive’ US-Ukraine talks

At least four people were killed and 17 others injured in Kharkiv, Ukraine, after a “massive” Russian drone attack struck the northeastern city on Sunday night, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. He described the ongoing attacks as presenting “new challenges for our city, new destructions and new work.”

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 162 drones overnight, with 125 intercepted or neutralized. The remaining 37 drones struck 15 locations, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure and private homes in Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Dnipropetrovsk, resulting in civilian casualties. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it had shot down at least 103 Ukrainian drones overnight, including two targeting Moscow.

The attack coincided with high-level U.S., European, and Ukrainian talks in Geneva on a controversial 28-point American peace plan, which critics say could force Ukraine into significant concessions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the discussions “probably the most productive and meaningful meeting” since the U.S. became involved, noting that the plan would require approval from the presidents of both countries. He said adjustments were being made to narrow differences and move closer to an acceptable outcome.

President Trump suggested further negotiation is possible and expressed cautious optimism about progress, while also criticizing Ukraine and Europe for what he described as a lack of gratitude. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his delegation held substantive discussions with U.S. and European officials and emphasized the need for continued dialogue to secure key objectives, including the release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war and the return of children abducted by Russia.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia had not yet received official documentation on the Geneva talks, though media reports have been closely monitored. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously acknowledged receiving the U.S. proposal but noted it had not been discussed in detail with Moscow, and suggested Ukraine and its allies still hope to achieve a strategic advantage on the battlefield.