KYIV: A massive Russian drone strike set Ukraine’s Odesa on fire late Thursday, just as peace talks are set to resume Monday.

Trump’s Optimism

Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence in ending the war after calls with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. He stated, “We’re making progress,” as he discussed the ceasefire effort.

Delegations from the U.S. and Russia will meet Monday in Saudi Arabia to continue diplomatic discussions that began in February.

Ukraine will also send representatives, with Zelensky urging Putin to drop unnecessary demands that prolong the conflict.

Devastation in Ukraine

Following Trump’s remarks, Russia launched a heavy drone strike on Odesa, hitting civilian buildings and injuring at least three people.

Local officials reported that a shopping center and residential buildings were among the damaged sites. Videos showed smoke and fires raging across the city.

At the time of the attack, Czech President Peter Pavel was visiting Odesa on an official trip.

Meanwhile, Russian attacks injured five people near Zaporizhzhia and ten in Kirovohrad, including four children.

Ongoing Assaults

Nearly 200 drones hit central Ukraine, damaging homes, a church, and critical infrastructure, according to Zelensky.

He emphasized that Russia’s actions contradict its claims of peace, saying, “Every day, they launch over a hundred drones and missiles.”

Ukraine has also retaliated, striking a Russian military airbase deep inside Russian territory. The Engels airbase, 465 miles from Ukraine, was a key target.

Ukraine’s military said the base was used for missile strikes against civilians, justifying the attack.

Ceasefire Conditions

Russia agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but refused a broader ceasefire sought by the U.S.

Zelensky accused Putin of breaking his promise by launching 150 drone attacks, including strikes on energy facilities.

Ukraine is prepared to stop attacks on Russia’s energy and civilian sites but is waiting for Moscow to agree.

Saudi Arabia Talks

The upcoming talks in Riyadh will involve U.S. and Russian officials discussing Trump and Putin’s preliminary agreements.

The Kremlin demands Ukraine halt foreign military aid and cease rearming, conditions Zelensky has strongly opposed.

As Trump strengthens ties with Russia, European leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine, urging Western nations to provide more military aid.

“The stronger Ukraine is on the battlefield, the stronger it will be at the negotiating table,” EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said.