Russian Forces Bombard Ukrainian Port City of Odesa During Peace Talks

Odesa, Ukraine, was heavily bombarded by Russian drones and missiles from Friday night into Saturday, marking one of the most significant attacks on the southern port since the war began. The assault caused extensive power outages, leaving large portions of the city in darkness.

Ukrainian officials reported that the strikes targeted energy, industrial, and other infrastructure across several regions in southern Ukraine. Odesa, the country's largest Black Sea port, was particularly affected, with many residents left without power, heat, and water. Hospitals and public drinking water stations were forced to rely on generators. Authorities have not reported any fatalities from the attack.

The bombardment coincided with increased diplomatic activity aimed at ending the nearly four-year-old war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Recent weeks have seen intense negotiations involving Ukrainian, European, and American officials, driven by a U.S. initiative to achieve a swift resolution to the conflict.

President Trump is advocating for a deal that would require President Volodymyr Zelensky to cede territory in exchange for peace, arguing that Ukraine is losing the war. Zelensky and his European allies are resisting this proposal, while also working to ensure continued U.S. support for Ukraine.

Negotiators from Europe, the United States, and Ukraine are scheduled to meet in Berlin this weekend, according to a senior German government official who spoke on condition of anonymity. President Zelensky and European leaders are also expected to hold talks on Monday.