Ukraine's military announced late on Tuesday that Storm Shadow missiles struck a Russian facility producing gunpowder, explosives, and rocket fuel in the Bryansk region. The strike, conducted with French-British missiles also referred to as Scalp, targeted the plant successfully. A statement from Ukraine’s general staff noted that a coordinated air and missile operation, including Storm Shadow missiles, breached Russian defenses. Alexander Bogomaz, the regional governor, earlier confirmed attacks involving drones and missiles. Russian defense officials also acknowledged the assault.
Kyiv faced aerial bombardment overnight, with explosions igniting fires and damaging buildings across multiple neighborhoods, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Emergency teams were sent to locations where missile debris fell, though no injuries were reported, Klitschko stated via Telegram. Strikes also affected Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and the Danube port city of Izmail.
Discussions regarding a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Budapest have been postponed following an inconclusive call between Marco Rubio and Sergei Lavrov. The call also led to the cancellation of a planned Thursday meeting between Rubio, Trump’s secretary of state, and Lavrov in Budapest. A European diplomat, speaking anonymously, told Reuters that Russia has not softened its demand for Ukraine to cede the entire Donbas region. "Lavrov likely reiterated the same stance, prompting Rubio to walk away," the diplomat said. Another source noted that it became clear no agreement would be reached in Budapest.
Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggested Russia’s diplomatic engagement waned when U.S. plans to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine stalled. He remarked that expanded long-range capabilities for Ukraine increase Russia’s willingness to negotiate peace, but delays in securing such weapons reduced Moscow’s interest in talks.
A senior Ukrainian official told Agence France-Presse that diplomatic efforts tied to Trump were repetitive and prolonged. Trump’s latest position, fluctuating daily, reportedly advocates halting the war at the current frontline without territorial concessions from Ukraine.
Meanwhile, European diplomats disclosed that discussions with Ukraine are underway for a ceasefire proposal based on existing battle lines. One diplomat mentioned a potential peace oversight body led by Trump, while another referenced a structure similar to a U.S.-backed framework for Gaza. Approximately 35 allied nations will convene in London on Friday to discuss further measures.
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