Mon Mar 24 03:00:26 UTC 2025: ## Deadly Drone Attacks Precede Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Talks

**KYIV, Ukraine – March 24, 2025** – A wave of Russian drone attacks across Ukraine overnight killed at least seven people and injured numerous others, casting a shadow over upcoming ceasefire negotiations. The attacks, which targeted several regions including Kyiv, came just hours before indirect talks mediated by the U.S. are scheduled to begin in Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched 147 drones, with 97 shot down by air defenses. The attacks caused significant damage to residential buildings in Kyiv, where three people, including a child, were killed. In the Donetsk region, four additional deaths were reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the devastating scale of recent Russian attacks, stating that over 1,580 guided bombs and nearly 1,100 strike drones have been used against Ukrainian civilians this week alone.

Despite the devastating attacks, Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy, expressed optimism about the Saudi Arabia talks, predicting “some real progress,” particularly regarding a Black Sea ceasefire. However, skepticism remains among Ukrainian civilians, with many expressing doubt about Russia’s commitment to any peace agreement. Dmytro Zapadnya, a Kyiv resident whose home was damaged in the attack, voiced a widespread sentiment of distrust, stating that any agreement with Russia would be meaningless.

Russia also reported drone attacks on its territory, claiming to have shot down 59 Ukrainian drones, resulting in one death in the Rostov region and another in the Belgorod region.

The indirect talks, scheduled for Monday, are expected to focus on a partial ceasefire targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Ukraine plans to send technical teams to discuss the details. While some hope for a breakthrough, the recent deadly drone attacks underscore the fragility of the situation and the deep distrust between the two warring nations.

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