Russia's intensified air strikes spark ceasefire talk in Ukraine war

Russia stepped up aerial attacks on Ukraine, launching one of the war’s largest drone and missile raids in recent weeks. The strikes hit major cities including Kyiv and Dnipro, killing 23 people, among them two children, and causing extensive damage to residential buildings. More than 41,000 residents, including roughly 4,500 children, spent the night in metro stations that served as shelters, setting a new record for the underground refuge system.

Foreign‑policy analysts note the heightened bombardment may be intended to pressure Kyiv ahead of possible negotiations, with some suggesting a temporary ceasefire could become a realistic option despite the ongoing violence.

Separately, former Soviet spy Andrej Bezrukov warned that Russia is likely to remain engaged in war for decades, urging the state to restructure its economy and institutions to sustain long‑term conflict. He highlighted the growing use of drones capable of striking any region and raised concerns about biological‑weapon developments, emphasizing the need for preparedness beyond the current Ukraine confrontation.