Russian drone attack on Kharkiv killed 2, injured 25, including children

A Russian drone attack on Kharkiv late on March 29 killed two civilians and injured at least 25 others, including five children, according to Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov. The victims included a 67-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman, while a 15-year-old girl remains in serious condition. Explosions were reported across the city as the attack unfolded, with emergency responders rushing to assist the wounded.

The drone strikes caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, hitting a shopping center, several residential buildings, a medical facility, and an office building, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed. Multiple fires broke out across the city as a result of the strikes. This latest attack is part of Russia’s ongoing campaign of aerial assaults, which have relentlessly targeted Ukrainian cities, often striking civilian areas far from the front lines.

Kharkiv Oblast, located in Ukraine's northeast, continues to face regular Russian missile, drone, and glide bomb attacks from across the border and occupied territories. Since the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has repeatedly used long-range strikes to terrorize Ukrainian civilians, damaging critical infrastructure and causing widespread casualties.

Ukraine will request changes to the new minerals deal

Ukraine is set to request modifications to a new minerals deal proposed by the U.S., Bloomberg reported on March 29. The agreement, which the U.S. finalized on March 26, was initially planned for signing on Feb. 28 but was delayed following a heated exchange during President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington. Ukrainian officials are seeking greater investment commitments and clearer terms regarding the operation of a proposed reconstruction fund, a source familiar with the discussions told Bloomberg.

A key point of concern is that the draft agreement grants the U.S. control over future mineral and major infrastructure investments in Ukraine, with no defined time limit. It also gives the U.S. priority access to a joint reconstruction fund while classifying past American economic and military aid as contributions to that fund. This provision has alarmed Ukrainian officials, who fear it could obligate Ukraine to repay all U.S. assistance received since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Additionally, Ukrainian negotiators worry that such terms could undermine the country’s aspirations for European Union membership.

Zelensky emphasized on March 28 that Ukraine would not sign any deal that jeopardizes its EU accession. "The Constitution of Ukraine makes it clear that our course is towards the EU ... Nothing that could threaten Ukraine's accession to the EU can be accepted," he stated. Amid ongoing negotiations, U.S. officials reportedly did not push back on Ukraine's concerns, particularly regarding the agreement’s potential impact on Ukraine’s future integration with Europe.

Russia attacked Ukraine with 111 drones and a ballistic missile overnight

Russian forces attacked Ukraine using a ballistic missile, 111 Shahed attack drones and various types of decoy UAVs on the night of 29-30 March. Ukraine's air defence has managed to down 65 drones, while 35 more disappeared from radar.

Putin will have nothing to say at peace negotiations - Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on March 27 that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no meaningful role in peace talks, arguing that someone who desires war cannot contribute to negotiations. In an interview with Le Monde, Zelensky dismissed Putin’s willingness for dialogue, saying the Russian leader is “not ready for direct talks” and that he refuses to accept Moscow’s narratives. His remarks come as the U.S. continues separate discussions with both Ukrainian and Russian delegations in an effort to advance peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, Putin has reportedly proposed placing Ukraine under a temporary United Nations-led government, an idea swiftly rejected by the White House. A National Security Council spokesperson reaffirmed that Ukraine’s governance is determined solely by its people and constitution. Additionally, Russia has maintained maximalist demands in negotiations, indicating reluctance to engage in genuine discussions. Despite an agreed-upon partial ceasefire on energy infrastructure, Russian forces targeted facilities in Kherson on March 27, violating the agreement that has been in place since March 25.

Ukraine remains open to a broader ceasefire and has accepted a U.S.-proposed full 30-day cessation of hostilities under the condition that Russia reciprocates. However, Moscow has thus far refused to agree to these terms, further casting doubt on its commitment to a peaceful resolution.