9 Killed as Ukraine Strikes Inside Russia

On Wednesday (February 25), at least 30 explosive-laden drones targeted a fertilizer plant in the Smolensk region, contributing to a total of 9 fatalities across the Smolensk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions. In retaliation, Russian missile strikes in Ukraine claimed 4 lives and left 16 injured.

Despite the bloodshed, a glimmer of hope remains as the US, Russia, and Ukraine prepare for a new round of peace talks in Geneva. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff noted significant diplomatic progress over the last eight weeks, the best in nearly four years. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains skeptical, citing a lack of Russian political will as the primary hurdle. Amidst negotiations, Ukraine showcased its growing military might by successfully testing a new 1400-km range cruise missile. On the diplomatic front, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to pressure Russia toward a ceasefire.