- Ukraine targets Russian missile base in Shuya for second consecutive night.
- Russia intercepts 71 Ukrainian drones across six regions.
- High-stakes peace talks begin in Paris amid rising civilian casualties.
Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone campaign, targeting the Russian town of Shuya for a second night. Shuya is home to a missile brigade blamed for the recent deadly strike on Sumy that killed 35 civilians.
As fighting intensifies, diplomatic efforts are underway in Paris. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff have arrived to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and European leaders.
Drone War Escalates Ahead of Fragile Peace Push in Paris
Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced it had neutralized 71 Ukrainian drones overnight, with the bulk intercepted over the Kursk region. Other regions affected included Oryol, Bryansk, and Vladimir, suggesting that Ukraine’s drone network is becoming more sophisticated and far-reaching. These widespread attacks have tested Russia’s air defense capabilities on multiple fronts.
The repeated targeting of Shuya, far from the frontlines, is a calculated move by Ukraine. The town hosts a key missile brigade believed responsible for recent Ukrainian civilian deaths. While Russia claims there was no damage, the circulation of videos showing flames at the base suggests otherwise. Ukraine appears to be signaling its intent to strike deeper, especially at targets with strategic military value.
In the political arena, the Paris talks may be the most comprehensive diplomatic gathering since early in the war. The involvement of Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff underlines a possible shift in U.S. strategy, now appearing more aligned with European partners after sidelining the EU previously. Kyiv’s top officials are also in Paris, though they’ve not disclosed their specific plans, likely wary of being sidelined in key decisions.
Meanwhile, Moscow’s self-declared 30-day energy ceasefire is nearing expiration. The Kremlin accuses Ukraine of violating it, despite Kyiv never agreeing to the terms. This rhetorical move appears to be aimed at portraying Russia as willing to negotiate while continuing offensive operations. It underscores the growing complexity of achieving even a limited ceasefire, let alone comprehensive peace.
As both military operations and diplomatic maneuvers accelerate, the gap between battlefield realities and peace table ambitions remains stark. Without mutual trust or unified mediation, a true breakthrough looks increasingly distant.
“Pressure must be applied to the killers, and life must be helped to stop this war and ensure a reliable peace.” – Volodymyr Zelensky
