Zelensky Hails ‘Constructive’ US Talks as Russia Lashes Out with Massive Strike on Kremenchuk

KREMENCHUK — Russian military forces launched a “massive combined strike” on the central Ukrainian industrial hub of Kremenchuk early Sunday, hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded what he described as a “very constructive” phone call with the US negotiating team.

The dual events highlight the volatile nature of the conflict, where intensified diplomatic efforts are immediately challenged by continued military escalation.

Following three days of detailed negotiations in Florida, Zelenskyy said he was “determined to keep working in good faith with the American side to genuinely achieve peace.” He spoke with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, to discuss key aspects that could “ensure an end to the bloodshed and eliminate the threat of a new Russian full scale invasion.”

A joint statement from Witkoff and Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov affirmed they had “agreed on the framework of security arrangements” and discussed “necessary deterrence capabilities to sustain a lasting peace,” without offering further details on the compromise.

Despite the diplomatic push, Russia’s air assaults continued unabated. Early Sunday morning, Kremenchuk Mayor Vitaliy Maletsk confirmed the city had sustained a “massive combined strike” on its infrastructure. Initial reports indicated water, electricity, and heat had been cut off for some residents in the city, which is a key industrial hub positioned halfway between Kyiv and the eastern frontline. Russia also claimed to have shot down 77 Ukrainian drones across various locations overnight.

The attack follows a wider aerial bombardment 24 hours earlier that drew sharp condemnation from Kyiv’s European allies, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke with Zelenskyy and pledged “full solidarity.”

Zelenskyy’s primary concern remains Russia’s commitment to adhering to any potential deal. His discussions with the US team covered how to ensure Russia sticks to the terms of the settlement, a question made more urgent by the renewed targeting of civilian infrastructure.