Russia expects ‘difficult’ talks with Ukraine amid fresh Russian strikes on Dnipro. Zelenskyy warns that Russian military logistics, airports, and defense industries must now face real consequences.
Devastating attacks on Ukraine’s industrial heartland have ushered in a new phase of conflict. Russia expects ‘difficult’ talks with Ukraine, according to the Kremlin—a grim admission echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid fierce aerial assaults.
Dnipro Under Fire: Rising Casualties and Destruction
On the night of July 26, 2025, Russian forces unleashed a massive barrage targeting Dnipro and surrounding regions. The Ukrainian Air Force reported 235 drones and 27 missiles launched at nine strategic locations. Officials confirmed three fatalities and six injuries, while firefighters battled multiple fires at residential and commercial buildings.
Earlier in the summer, on June 24, a similar strike claimed at least 19 lives and injured over 300 people, including many children, while damaging schools, hospitals, apartments, and even a passenger train.
Zelenskyy’s Demand: Consequences Must Reach Russian Front Lines
In a forceful address following the July attack, President Zelenskyy declared that Russian military industries, logistics networks, and airports should now face real consequences—saying, “Russia’s own war must now hit them back.”
This marked a firm escalation in Kyiv’s rhetoric. Throughout the war, Zelenskyy has pushed for the expansion of Ukraine’s retaliatory capacity, fueled by Western-provided air defense systems and long-range strike capabilities.
Negotiations Set to Resume in Istanbul
As the battlefield intensifies, diplomatic channels are gearing back up. Russia’s anticipation that negotiations will be “difficult” reflects the impasse over terms involving occupied territories and demands for Ukrainian troop withdrawal.
Ukraine insists that any talks must be grounded in a ceasefire and restoration of its borders—conditions Russia continues to reject.
A Broader Pattern: Russia’s Escalating Tactics
These strikes fit into a broader strategy of relentless bombardment. Russian attacks on Odessa, Kharkiv, Sumy, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia have killed dozens and repeatedly targeted civilian infrastructure, especially educational institutions and energy facilities.
International observers have repeatedly condemned the attacks as potential war crimes due to deliberate targeting of non-military sites.
What’s Ahead: Diplomacy or Frozen Conflict?
With both sides entrenched, Russia expects ‘difficult’ talks with Ukraine are all but guaranteed. Without mutual concessions, a ceasefire may stall without bringing lasting peace. Analysts warn this could result in a frozen conflict, reminiscent of past unresolved regional disputes.
Despite ongoing violence, Kyiv remains committed to drawing global support and escalating retaliatory actions, while Western allies continue to increase pressure through sanctions and military aid.
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