Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has convened top security and government officials to finalize international diplomatic strategies and prioritize air defense and drone production as Kyiv prepares for upcoming high-level negotiations.
Strategic Consultations and Diplomatic Priorities
President Zelensky held a special briefing with key officials, including his Chief of Staff, former military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov. The discussions centered on maintaining continuous communication with U.S. and European partners.
Zelensky outlined priorities for the coming weeks, including countering ballistic missiles and advancing the “Drone Deal” agreement with the European Union. He confirmed that the administration is currently preparing for critical negotiations, though he provided no specific details at this time.
Prisoner Exchanges and Energy Sector Support
The President emphasized the urgent need to execute previously agreed-upon prisoner exchanges, instructing his team to engage mediators who can accelerate the process. Furthermore, Zelensky announced that new decisions regarding international support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are in the final stages of development.
Escalating Attacks and Counter-Strikes
Russian strikes over the last 24 hours have resulted in at least two deaths and ten injuries across the Kharkiv region and Kherson. Ukrainian Air Force reports state that Russia deployed 290 drones, one Iskander-M missile, and six Kh-101 cruise missiles, with 284 projectiles intercepted or neutralized.
In a retaliatory move, Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces struck a Russian military base in Taganrog. The operation destroyed two Tu-142 aircraft and an Iskander missile launcher. Additional strikes targeted port infrastructure and fuel depots in Taganrog and the Krasnodar region.