From Krasnodar to Kharkiv, attacks claim civilian lives as peace diplomacy is delayed

Two children were killed and nine other people were injured, including seven children, in a drone attack in Krasnodar, southern Russia. Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said the target hit was a private nursery.

The civilian death toll has also risen in Ukraine, where a Russian attack on the outskirts of Kharkiv killed three people. The attacks occurred as fighting continues and Ukraine marks the 35th anniversary of the declaration of independence.

On August 24, 1991, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament at the time, adopted the Act of Independence. The decision declared the creation of a sovereign and independent state following the failed coup attempt in Moscow.

The desire for independence was confirmed on December 1, 1991, through a national referendum in which 90.32% of voters voted in favor.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, this is the fifth time Ukraine has commemorated Independence Day.

Rallies and commemorative ceremonies have been organized in various Ukrainian cities, as well as in Ukrainian communities living abroad.

On the diplomatic front, a visit to Moscow by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, has been postponed.

TASS reported, citing a source, that the trip is not expected to take place before the end of August. It had previously been announced that Witkoff and Kushner might travel to Kyiv and Moscow by the end of the month.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Vladimir Putin remains ready to hold another meeting with representatives of the U.S. president. According to Lavrov, the main question concerns the proposals the envoys will present in Moscow.

Meanwhile, the “Coalition of the Willing,” made up of European states supporting Kyiv, is expected to meet in Ukraine on Monday.

Ukrainian authorities are seeking new military supplies, particularly air-defense systems, as well as stronger measures against Moscow. The requests come after a series of Russian attacks that have caused numerous civilian casualties.

The United Kingdom, France and Germany will co-chair the meeting. European Council President Antonio Costa is also expected to attend, while several other leaders will join by videoconference.

The meeting is taking place at a time when the conflict is escalating and diplomatic efforts to end the war have not ceased.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv, in cooperation with its American and European partners, has prepared a plan to end the war. He said the plan provides for a ceasefire, the establishment of a free economic zone and the withdrawal of troops.

According to Zelensky, these proposals were drafted following talks between Ukraine, the United States and European countries, while negotiations continue to find a solution to the conflict.