A Russian drone attack on Saturday, March 21 hit a residential property in the city of Zaporizhzhia, killing two and injuring two children aged 11 and 15, according to local authorities. The strike occurred just as Ukrainian and American officials were preparing for renewed discussions on ending the war.
Ukrainian officials said the two victims were civilians caught in a direct strike on a home, underscoring the continued impact of drone warfare on residential areas in frontline cities that have been repeatedly targeted since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
In parallel, Ukrainian and American officials held talks involving U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner. The discussions are aimed at reviving diplomatic efforts to end the war, with no breakthrough to date.
A key issue in the negotiations is energy policy, particularly the United States’ decision to ease sanctions on buyers of Russian oil through a temporary waiver. The move, introduced to stabilise global energy prices, has sparked concern in Kyiv, where officials warn it could strengthen Russia’s capacity to finance its war.
Zelensky said Ukraine wants clarity on Russia’s willingness to end the war, while warning that shifting global crises—including tensions in the Middle East—are complicating diplomatic efforts. He also suggested that Moscow may be seeking to prolong global instability to weaken Western support for Kyiv.
The U.S.-mediated negotiations have so far failed to produce a breakthrough , with Russia maintaining its core demands and fighting continuing along multiple front lines. Officials involved in the talks have indicated that discussions also include the possibility of a future trilateral format involving Russia.
