Russia Strikes Kyiv as US and Ukraine Discuss Peace Plan
Russia initiated a series of attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, early on **March 5, 2024**, targeting residential buildings and energy infrastructure, according to local authorities and video evidence. Mayor **Vitalii Kitschko** reported significant damage to a residential structure in the central **Pechersk** district, as well as another building in the eastern **Dniprovskyi** district.
Video footage shared on social media platforms showed flames engulfing multiple floors of the nine-story building in Dniprovskyi. **Tymor Tkachenko**, the head of Kyiv’s city administration, confirmed that at least four individuals sustained injuries as a result of the strikes. The **Ukrainian energy ministry** indicated that energy infrastructure was also affected but did not detail the type or severity of the damage inflicted.
In a related development, the **Russian Defense Ministry** announced the destruction of 249 Ukrainian drones overnight, with the majority—116—shot down over the **Black Sea** region, including occupied **Crimea**. These actions coincided with ongoing negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives regarding a potential peace plan facilitated by the United States and Russia.
Negotiations Progress Amid Escalating Tensions
On **March 3, 2024**, discussions took place in **Geneva**, where **Oleksandr Bevz**, a Ukrainian delegate, described the talks as “very constructive.” He noted that the parties managed to cover most of the relevant points concerning the peace proposal. Despite these discussions, **Dmitry Peskov**, spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated that they had not yet reviewed the updated peace plan.
Adding to the diplomatic efforts, **Dan Driscoll**, a U.S. Army Secretary, met with Russian officials in **Abu Dhabi** on **March 5, 2024**. This meeting followed the Trump administration’s renewed push to resume negotiations aimed at concluding the war in Ukraine. A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that **Driscoll**, who joined the U.S. negotiating team less than two weeks prior, is now leading this phase of discussions focused on the terms of a potential peace agreement.
While specific details regarding the duration and topics of the negotiations remain undisclosed, the official emphasized that all parties indicated a desire to reach a resolution to halt hostilities swiftly.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a diplomatic solution that addresses the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian implications for the people of Ukraine.