Russia Bombards Kremenchuk After Washington Summit
In a major escalation, Russian forces launched overnight drone and missile strikes on Kremenchuk, a central Ukrainian city in the Poltava region, shortly after a diplomatic summit in Washington. Thick smoke rose over the city as Ukrainian air defense officials reported the attack targeted energy infrastructure.
Scale of the Assault — Largest This Month
The Ukrainian air force said Russia deployed around 270 drones and 10 missiles, and while 230 drones were intercepted, 16 critical sites sustained direct hits. Local authorities called the bombardment the most devastating of August.
No Casualties, But Widespread Damage
Fortunately, no civilian casualties were reported. However, the strike caused widespread disruption: nearly 1,500 homes lost electricity, and emergency services responded to fires at energy installations. Authorities also warned residents about unexploded cluster munitions scattered across affected areas.
Putin’s Calculated Message
Mayor Vitalii Maletskyi of Kremenchuk interpreted the bombing as a clear signal that President Putin is not pursuing peace. The timing—immediately following high-level talks in Washington—underscores the disconnect between diplomatic dialogue and battlefield developments.
