Ukraine Conflict Escalates Amidst Peace Talks

Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have left over 600,000 people without power in the Kyiv region. Ukraine's energy ministry attributed the power losses to missile and drone strikes, with Russia launching 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones overnight. The attacks have killed three and injured dozens, with several residential buildings hit. Ukraine's Air Force said it shot down 558 drones and 19 missiles. The strikes come as Ukrainian negotiators prepare for talks with US officials about a potential peace deal, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressing the need to retain sovereignty and defend against future attacks. Meanwhile, Ukrainian maritime drones struck two Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea, part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to evade Western sanctions.

Ukrainian naval drones have attacked two Russian oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea, as part of an escalation against Russia. The tankers are part of Russia's 'shadow fleet,' used to bypass Western sanctions. The attacks, which employed Sea Baby drones, were seen as a warning to ships carrying Russian oil. The incident has caused concern among stakeholders, including Kazakhstan, which has a major stake in the Caspian Pipeline Consortium that suspended loading in the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk following an attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has continued talks on an agreement to end the war with a delegation led by top security official Rustem Umerov heading to the US.

A massive fire destroyed a waste facility in western Sydney, Australia, on Saturday evening, injuring two firefighters and causing widespread damage. The fire was sparked by an unknown cause and was expected to burn throughout Sunday. Over 200 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze, which resulted in a chemical tank being blown into the air and chunks of concrete blocks raining down on first responders.

Russian drone and missile attacks in and around Kyiv killed at least three people as Ukrainian representatives traveled to the US for peace talks. The Ukrainian delegation, led by national security chief Rustem Umerov, met with US officials in Florida, while a US delegation is expected to travel to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The peace talks come as Ukraine continues to launch attacks on Russian infrastructure, including a strike on an oil terminal near Novorossiysk. Meanwhile, Russia is accused of trying to cripple Ukraine's power grid and deny civilians access to basic necessities.

Ukrainian officials, led by national security chief Rustem Umerov, are heading to the US for peace talks to discuss ending the war with Russia. The delegation is expected to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. Meanwhile, Ukraine has released dramatic footage of its naval drones hitting Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea, part of a series of attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. The peace talks come after Donald Trump released a 28-point proposal that was seen as favoring Russia, prompting Ukraine to engage with American negotiators. Russia has continued its aerial attacks on Ukraine, killing six people and leaving hundreds of thousands without power.