What's happened
On November 29, 2025, Russia conducted a large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and critical infrastructure. The strikes killed at least three civilians, wounded dozens, and caused widespread power outages. Ukraine's negotiators are heading to Washington amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war.
What's behind the headline?
The recent Russian missile and drone barrage underscores Moscow's continued strategy of targeting Ukraine's civilian infrastructure to weaken morale and disrupt daily life. Despite diplomatic talks, Russia's actions reveal a persistent focus on destruction rather than peace. Ukraine's military response, including strikes on Russian oil exports, indicates a dual approach of defense and offensive measures aimed at crippling Russia's economic capacity to sustain the war. The upcoming diplomatic meetings, led by Ukrainian officials in Washington and expected talks with Moscow, will test whether these military pressures can translate into meaningful negotiations. The timing suggests Russia aims to leverage the chaos to strengthen its position, while Ukraine seeks to maintain international support and pressure Moscow into negotiations. The international community's response, especially from the US and EU, will be critical in shaping the war's trajectory, potentially influencing whether peace talks will succeed or further escalation occurs.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports on the scale of the missile and drone attacks, emphasizing Russia's ongoing strategy of destruction and the impact on Kyiv's civilians and infrastructure. The NY Post highlights the diplomatic context, noting Ukraine's negotiations in Washington and the US's involvement, including Trump's recent peace proposal. The New York Times provides detailed accounts of the attacks' timing, civilian casualties, and Ukraine's military responses, including strikes on Russian oil assets. All sources underscore the complex interplay between military escalation and diplomatic efforts, illustrating the high stakes for Ukraine and the broader international community.
How we got here
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the conflict has involved ongoing missile and drone attacks, targeting civilian and energy infrastructure. Ukraine has responded with military strikes against Russian supply routes and assets, while diplomatic efforts have fluctuated. The recent escalation coincides with renewed international negotiations, including US-led peace proposals and Ukrainian diplomatic missions to Washington and Moscow.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Is Ukraine Targeting Russian Oil Ships Now?
Recent military actions in the Black Sea have seen Ukraine targeting Russian oil tankers, raising questions about the motives behind these strikes. With ongoing tensions and complex diplomatic efforts, understanding why Ukraine is focusing on Russian oil ships is key to grasping the broader conflict. Below, we explore the significance of these attacks, their impact, and what they mean for the future of Ukraine-Russia relations.
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What’s Next in the Ukraine War? Key Developments and Risks
The Ukraine conflict continues to evolve rapidly, with recent military actions, diplomatic efforts, and international involvement shaping its future. From Ukraine’s targeted strikes on Russian assets to Russia’s ongoing missile attacks on Kyiv, the situation remains tense and unpredictable. As global powers navigate this complex landscape, many are asking what the next moves might be and how the conflict could escalate or de-escalate. Here are some of the most pressing questions and insights into what’s happening now and what could come next.
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