Russian Drone Strikes Kill at Least Three in Ukraine, Amidst Peace Talk Pressure
KHARKIV, Ukraine – At least three people were killed in overnight Russian drone attacks across Ukraine, including a mother and her 10-year-old son in the northeastern Kharkiv region, officials said Monday. The strikes underscore the continued violence even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict intensify.
The Kharkiv regional emergency services reported recovering the bodies of the woman and child following a drone attack. Three others were wounded in the same incident. In the southern port city of Odesa, a 35-year-old man was killed and two injured in separate drone strikes, according to local authorities.
These attacks come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump has given both sides until June to reach a peace agreement. The pressure to find a resolution to the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, is mounting.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, however, expressed a pessimistic outlook on future economic ties with the United States, despite ongoing talks. Speaking to TV BRICS, Lavrov cited Washington’s pursuit of “economic dominance” as a barrier to improved relations. While Russian officials have previously hinted at the possibility of economic cooperation as part of a peace settlement, Lavrov’s comments suggest limited expectations.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) accused Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) of ordering an attempt on the life of General Vladimir Alexeyev in Moscow last week. The FSB also alleged the involvement of Polish intelligence in recruiting the shooter, though no evidence was presented. A Ukrainian-born Russian citizen has been extradited from Dubai and is in custody in Moscow in connection with the shooting.
The ongoing violence highlights the challenges facing negotiators as they attempt to broker a ceasefire. The United Nations estimates that over 10,000 civilians have been killed or injured since the start of the full-scale invasion, with the actual number likely much higher. The conflict has also displaced millions, creating a significant humanitarian crisis both within Ukraine and in neighboring countries. According to UNHCR data, as of February 8, 2026, over 6.5 million Ukrainians are registered as refugees across Europe.
The situation in Kharkiv, a city close to the Russian border, remains particularly precarious. Repeated shelling and drone attacks have caused widespread destruction and civilian casualties. Odesa, a vital port city on the Black Sea, has also been a frequent target, disrupting grain exports and exacerbating global food security concerns.
The international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but a breakthrough remains elusive. The coming months will be critical in determining whether a negotiated settlement can be reached before the June deadline set by Trump, or whether the war will continue to escalate.
This story includes reporting from France 24, the Associated Press, and Reuters.
