Ukrainian Civilians Killed in Russia's Deadly Overnight Strikes as Zelensky Seeks Diplomacy in Turkey

‎A wave of Russian missile and drone strikes tore through several Ukrainian cities overnight, killing at least 10 people and striking civilian areas just hours before President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Turkey for scheduled talks aimed at reviving stalled peace efforts.

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‎Russia’s overnight strikes kill at least 10 in Ukraine as Zelensky arrives in Ankara for renewed peace efforts amid rising attacks on civilian areas.

‎Volodymyr Zelensky/AFP

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‎Zelensky landed in Ankara early Wednesday for discussions that had raised hopes of fresh movement in diplomatic attempts to end Russia’s invasion. His visit followed weeks of signals from Kyiv about the need to restart international engagement on peace negotiations.

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‎Russia launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles during the night, continuing a pattern of intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches. Ukrainian officials reported that the strikes hit multiple sites, including residential buildings in Ternopil.

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‎Two multi-storey apartment blocks in Ternopil suffered severe damage, according to Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. Photos shared by officials showed buildings ripped open by explosions, flames burning through broken windows, and thick grey smoke hanging over debris-strewn streets.

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‎Emergency teams said rescue operations were ongoing, with people still trapped under the rubble. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as evacuations continued. Officials also reported that large fires in the area caused chlorine levels in the air to spike above normal limits, prompting residents to stay indoors with windows closed.

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‎Ukraine’s air force said Russia fired more than 476 drones and 48 missiles, adding that it intercepted 442 drones and 41 missiles. Regional authorities confirmed at least 46 injuries in Kharkiv and additional strikes in western parts of the country.

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‎Ahead of the Ankara meetings, Zelensky urged Ukraine’s Western partners to increase pressure on Russia, saying each attack underscored the need for stronger international action. He previously stated that the Turkey talks were intended to “reinvigorate” the frozen peace process.

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‎A senior Ukrainian official said the discussions aimed to encourage the United States to re-engage in mediation efforts, including by using sanctions to push Russia toward negotiations. Questions emerged over whether US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would attend, following media reports suggesting he canceled plans to travel. Officials in Kyiv said communication with representatives of President Donald Trump’s administration was ongoing, without confirming a meeting.

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‎Zelensky is set to hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on ways to secure what he called a “just peace” for Ukraine. Turkey has hosted three rounds of Russia-Ukraine talks this year, resulting in prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of fallen soldiers.

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‎The Kremlin said no Russian representatives would join the Ankara discussions but reiterated that it remains open to negotiations. Moscow declined to address reports from US media claiming a secret peace initiative had been explored with Washington.

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‎Russian forces continue gradual advances on the battlefield, and President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Kyiv yield more territory and renounce Western military support as conditions for halting the invasion.