**Russia Intensifies Strikes on Ukraine as Overnight Drone Attacks Target Odesa** As uncertainty looms over the timeline of a partial ceasefire, Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine, with drones striking Odesa overnight. The Kremlin has clarified that the proposed ceasefire will apply only to **"energy infrastructure,"** leaving other targets vulnerable to continued assaults. The ongoing strikes highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire discussions, with no clear indication of when or how broader de-escalation might occur. Ukrainian officials report that the latest attacks caused significant damage, raising concerns over civilian safety and infrastructure stability.

Russia Intensifies Strikes on Ukraine as Overnight Drone Attacks Target Odesa

As uncertainty looms over the timeline of a partial ceasefire, Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine, with drones striking Odesa overnight. The Kremlin has clarified that the proposed ceasefire will apply only to "energy infrastructure," leaving other targets vulnerable to continued assaults.

The ongoing strikes highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire discussions, with no clear indication of when or how broader de-escalation might occur. Ukrainian officials report that the latest attacks caused significant damage, raising concerns over civilian safety and infrastructure stability.

Damage at the site of a drone strike in Odesa, south-western Ukraine, on Friday. Photograph: Igor Tkachenko/EPA

                                                                               

Waves of Russian Drone Strikes Target Odesa Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty

Russian drones relentlessly attacked the Ukrainian port city of Odesa overnight, setting fires across multiple areas and underscoring Moscow's commitment to continuing its aerial assault, despite agreeing to a temporary pause in strikes on energy infrastructure.

Videos circulating on social media captured the devastating scenes of flames rising from various parts of the city. According to the regional governor, Oleh Kiper, the drones targeted a high-rise residential building, a shopping center, and several critical infrastructure sites.

The attacks occurred while Czech President Petr Pavel was in Odesa. Kiper highlighted the timing, stating on the Telegram messaging app, “Significantly, it was during our meeting that the enemy once again massively attacked the Odesa region.”

Earlier this week, Ukraine and Russia reached a tentative agreement for a limited ceasefire following talks facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, uncertainty remains about when or how the ceasefire will be implemented, as both sides prepare for parallel talks with the U.S. in Riyadh next week.

The ceasefire agreement’s details appear to be unclear, with the White House indicating that it would cover “energy and infrastructure,” while the Kremlin stated that it applies strictly to “energy infrastructure.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed his desire for railways and ports to be included in the truce.

On Friday, the Kremlin reiterated that President Vladimir Putin’s order to temporarily halt attacks on energy infrastructure remained in effect. However, they stressed that the truce was limited to “energy infrastructure” and did not encompass broader infrastructure targets. Russia also accused Ukraine of violating the part-ceasefire agreement, pointing to a strike carried out before Zelenskyy had formally agreed to the truce.

Russia Claims Ukraine Breached Ceasefire by Attacking Oil Depot

Moscow’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, stated on Thursday evening that Ukraine violated the proposed 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure by carrying out a strike on a Russian oil depot on Tuesday night. However, this attack occurred before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s call with U.S. President Donald Trump the following day, during which Zelenskyy agreed in principle to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal.

                                                                           

Zakharova’s comments highlight the ongoing tensions and uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire, with both parties accusing each other of breaching terms. The situation remains fluid as discussions continue between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. regarding the truce's details and implementation.

 Ukraine and Russia Exchange Blame for Strikes as Ceasefire Talks Loom

The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of breaching its ceasefire pledges, just hours after President Vladimir Putin’s phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces had targeted civilian infrastructure, including a hospital in Sumy, despite agreeing to a temporary truce.

Moscow, in turn, appears to be capitalizing on the window before the ceasefire takes effect, launching drone attacks on the southern port city of Odesa and shelling the Zaporizhzhia region. These strikes have intensified the uncertainty surrounding the agreement, as both sides point to violations.

In a separate incident, a critical pumping station for Russian gas transit to Europe caught fire on Friday morning. The facility, located in the Sudzha area of Russia’s Kursk region, is crucial for gas supplies to countries like Hungary and Slovakia. Russia accused Ukraine of hitting the station, while Ukraine’s military officials denied the accusation, claiming the facility had been repeatedly shelled by Russian forces.

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Russia’s investigative committee confirmed the station had suffered significant damage in the explosion. Despite much of Europe reducing its reliance on Russian gas, countries sympathetic to Moscow continue to import gas via this key transit point.

 

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