Russian airstrikes on Kyiv kill at least three ahead of ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia

Kyiv, Ukraine – At least three people were killed and ten others wounded after Russian drone strikes hit Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, just days before ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian officials reported. The attacks, which targeted residential areas and infrastructure, have intensified concerns over Russia’s intentions ahead of the upcoming diplomatic talks.

Deadly Drone Assault on Kyiv

Ukrainian authorities confirmed that the Russian military launched a large-scale drone attack on Kyiv in the early hours of Sunday. The assault, consisting of multiple waves of Iranian-made Shahed drones, damaged several residential buildings and caused widespread power outages in parts of the city.

According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, emergency teams were dispatched to affected areas, where they worked to rescue residents trapped under the rubble. “These brutal assaults by Russia continue to bring suffering to innocent people,” Klitschko stated.

Ukraine’s air defense systems managed to intercept 21 out of 30 drones, but some still managed to strike populated areas, causing casualties and property destruction. The Ukrainian military reported that critical infrastructure, including power facilities, was also targeted in the strikes.

Russia’s Strategy Amid Ceasefire Talks

The drone attacks come just before ceasefire discussions scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, where representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and international mediators are set to engage in diplomatic negotiations. The talks aim to find possible pathways toward de-escalation and peace after more than two years of war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned the strikes, stating that Russia was attempting to weaken Ukraine’s position ahead of the peace talks. “Russia does not want peace; it wants destruction,” Zelensky said in a televised address. He also called for increased Western support and additional sanctions against Moscow.

The Kremlin has yet to issue a statement regarding the latest attacks but has consistently defended its drone and missile campaigns, claiming they target Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure. Some Russian officials have expressed skepticism about the Saudi-hosted negotiations, calling them "one-sided" in favor of Ukraine.

International Reactions and Concerns

The latest escalation has drawn swift condemnation from Ukraine’s Western allies. The United States and the European Union have reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine, urging Russia to cease its attacks.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the strikes “a blatant violation of international law” and reaffirmed France’s support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that continued Russian aggression could further escalate tensions in the region.

Saudi Arabia, which has positioned itself as a neutral mediator, is hosting the upcoming negotiations with hopes of fostering meaningful diplomatic progress. However, analysts suggest that Russia’s latest military actions could be an attempt to strengthen its bargaining position before entering talks.

Uncertain Path to Peace

Despite the diplomatic efforts, doubts remain over whether meaningful progress can be achieved. Ukraine has remained firm in its demands, including the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from its occupied territories, while Russia has continued its military operations with no indication of de-escalation.

As Kyiv mourns the victims of the latest attack, the world watches closely to see if the Saudi-hosted talks will lead to any breakthrough in the conflict. However, with continued violence on the ground, hopes for an immediate resolution remain uncertain.

Sources:

• https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/22/deadly-russian-drone-attack-in-ukraine-before-next-us-talks-in-saudi-arabia 
• https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/23/ukraine-war-live-russia-deadly-drone-attack-kyiv-ceasefire-talks-saudi-arabia 
• https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/23/ukraine-war-briefing-russia-launches-drone-attacks-on-kyiv 
• https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250323-russian-drone-strikes-on-kyiv-kill-at-least-three-wound-10-say-local-officials