Russia's Airstrike on Kiev Sparks Chaos: 400 Drones and 18 Missiles Fired Amidst Ukraine Reconstruction Talks
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Russia carried out a massive airstrike on many areas including Ukraine's capital Kiev. This attack happened when world leaders had gathered in Rome, the capital of Italy, to discuss the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that about 400 drones and 18 missiles were fired, including ballistic missiles. Two people were killed and 16 injured in the attack. Zelensky described the attack as a "clear escalation of terrorism from Russia". The attack lasted for about 10 hours and Russia attacked for the second consecutive night. This attack shows that Russia is currently in no mood to talk about a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that "he is killing too many people" and that is why America will again send weapons to Ukraine. Trump has made this statement at a time when he is constantly trying to stop the war. Since becoming President on January 20, he has made about 6 failed attempts. At the fourth Ukraine reconstruction conference going on in Rome, the focus of discussion is no longer 'how to rebuild', but 'how to keep Ukraine alive'. The summit was hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giordano Meloni, who is considered close to Trump. She is also being attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and US special envoy Keith Kellig.
The European Union is now considering creating a special aid fund of 100 billion euros (about ₹9 lakh crores) for Ukraine, which can be implemented from 2028. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal said that by 2026, the country will have to face a budget deficit of more than $40 billion, which can be met only with external help. Talks are scheduled between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the meeting of South-East Asian countries in Kuala Lumpur. On the other hand, the US Parliament may vote to impose new strict sanctions on Russia this month. Zelensky has also demanded strict sanctions from the US on Russia.
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