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Russia launched a major overnight attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, using a combination of drones and ballistic missiles, triggering fires, damaging buildings, and forcing residents to seek shelter across the city.

The attack began during the night while much of the capital was asleep. Ukrainian authorities said the main target was the central Shevchenkivskyi district, where multiple explosions were reported.

The strike came only hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that intelligence agencies had detected signs of a possible large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv.

Fires Break Out Across the District

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a large fire broke out on the roof of a three-storey non-residential building after debris from the attack fell on the structure. Emergency crews were rushed to the scene to contain the blaze.

Kyiv City Military Administration chief Tymur Tkachenko said a hotel in the district also caught fire, causing panic among residents and visitors in the area.

Ballistic Missiles Detected

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian ballistic missiles heading toward northern Kyiv were detected at around 1:53 a.m. local time. Authorities immediately issued emergency alerts, urging residents to move to shelters and other secure locations.

Tkachenko said Russian drones entered Kyiv from multiple directions, making it difficult for air-defence systems to respond to every incoming target simultaneously.

Damage and Continuing Threat

Local officials reported damage to several buildings as a result of the combined missile and drone assault. While emergency services continued search and firefighting operations through the night, authorities warned that further attacks could not be ruled out.

Ukrainian officials said the latest strike demonstrates Russia’s continued use of coordinated drone and missile barrages against major urban centres, with Kyiv remaining one of the primary targets of such attacks.

Residents were advised to remain alert and follow official air-raid warnings as security agencies assessed the full extent of the damage and the possibility of additional strikes in the coming days.

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The post Putin Signals Possible End to Russia-Ukraine War Amid Fresh Peace Hopes appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Former US President Donald Trump has asserted that he personally prevented potential nuclear conflicts between several countries, including nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, during his tenure. Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump also claimed to have averted clashes between Iran and Israel and Russia and Ukraine, though he did not provide specific evidence to support these statements.

Criticism of New START Treaty

Trump criticised the existing New START nuclear arms control treaty between the US and Russia, calling it a “poorly done” agreement that is being “openly violated.” He called for a new, modern treaty crafted by nuclear experts that could provide long-term stability.

“Instead of extending ‘New START’… we should have our nuclear experts work on a new, better, and modern treaty that can last for a long time,” Trump wrote, suggesting that the current framework is insufficient to meet today’s security challenges.

Emphasis on US Military Strength

The former president highlighted efforts during his first term (2017–2021) to rebuild and modernize the US armed forces. He mentioned enhancements to the nuclear arsenal, the establishment of the Space Force, and plans to add warships he described as “100 times more powerful” than those used in World War II, referencing vessels like the Iowa and Missouri.

Trump underscored that “the United States is the most powerful country in the world,” positioning the military expansions as a continuation of America’s global dominance.

Global Reactions and Context

Trump’s claims echo previous unverified statements he has made regarding his role in international security. While India and Pakistan have experienced border tensions historically, there have been no recent nuclear escalations reported.

His remarks come amid ongoing global concerns over arms control and nuclear proliferation, drawing mixed reactions from international observers. Experts note that while the former president’s statements highlight US military strength, they offer little concrete evidence of direct intervention in preventing conflicts.

The post Trump Claims He Averted India-Pakistan Nuclear War, Pushes for New Global Arms Deal appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced strong opposition to a planned meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, reportedly scheduled for August 15. The talks are said to explore a potential land-swap agreement to end the ongoing war, an idea that Kyiv has firmly rejected.

‘No Peace Without Ukraine’

In a video message posted on X, Zelenskyy said any deal made without Ukraine’s participation would undermine the chances of achieving genuine peace. “How can you make a deal without Ukraine? This war is against our people, on our land. It can’t end without us,” he declared. The Ukrainian leader warned that bypassing Kyiv in peace negotiations would be “against peace” and “achieve nothing.”

Firm Stance on Territorial Integrity

Responding to reports of a territory trade-off, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s resolve to defend every inch of its land. “Putin chose to invade Ukraine because he didn’t trust our people. That was his mistake. Ukrainians are strong and know how to defend themselves,” he said. The president dismissed Putin’s claims that Ukraine was not adhering to its own laws, insisting the nation follows its constitution and cannot surrender territory.

Open to Dialogue With Trump, But on Ukraine’s Terms

While criticising the planned Alaska talks, Zelenskyy expressed willingness to work with Trump toward a “fair and lasting peace.” He thanked global supporters for standing with Ukraine and cautioned against rewarding Moscow’s aggression. “Russia started this war, and Russia needs to end it,” he said.

Trump and Putin’s Proposed Land Deal

Trump has previously suggested that trading territory could help end the bloodshed, confirming his intention to meet Putin on August 15 in Alaska. “Both countries need to stop this bloodshed. A land deal could be a good way to do it,” Trump stated on X.

Rising Tensions in Peace Efforts

Zelenskyy’s strong rejection of the talks underscores the difficulty of reaching any agreement without Ukraine’s direct involvement. With the war continuing to devastate the country, the proposed meeting has added new complexity to an already challenging diplomatic landscape. The international community is watching closely to see whether the Alaska talks will go ahead—and what impact they might have on the path to peace.

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