According to CCTV News, Ukrainian President Zelensky reported on his official social platform on the 6th that the Russian army launched a large-scale drone attack on Ukraine in the early morning of that day, focusing on civilian infrastructure in Odessa. So far, 3 people have been killed and 16 injured.
He said that the attack caused damage to many residential buildings, a kindergarten and a substation in Odessa, and thousands of families lost power. Currently, maintenance crews are making emergency repairs to restore power supply. In addition to Odessa, power facilities in Chernigov, Sumy, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions were also attacked by Russian troops. Zelensky called on Ukraine's partners to continue to strengthen assistance to Ukraine.
Russia has yet to respond.
Peskov: Russia-Ukraine negotiations are currently on hold
On April 6, local time, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Peskov stated that negotiations on the Ukraine issue are currently suspended. Since the United States has many other matters to deal with, it is difficult for Russia, the United States, and Ukraine to gather together for a meeting.
Peskov noted that Russia and Ukraine each continue to maintain contact with the United States.
Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Syria on the 5th. This was his first visit to Syria since the two countries restored diplomatic relations in September last year. According to multiple media reports, Zelensky’s trip was intended to sell anti-drone systems and food to the new Syrian regime.
On April 3, local time, Peskov pointed out in a routine briefing that day that in order to stop the hot war phase of special military operations, Ukraine must withdraw its troops from Donbass. He said that there is no clear deadline for the troop withdrawal, but it is necessary and will help promote the transition of the conflict to a political and diplomatic settlement process. Peskov stressed that Ukraine should have withdrawn its troops "today" and "preferably yesterday."
Peskov pointed out that Russia will continue to carry out special military operations until all set goals are achieved.
He also revealed that Putin will hold an international telephone conversation on the 3rd to continue to deal with issues related to the situation in the Middle East, and will hold an emergency meeting of the Security Council members on the same day.
Zelensky talks with president of Syrian transitional government
Xinhua News Agency reported that Zelensky said on social media later on the 5th that he would hold talks with Syrian transitional government President Salad in Damascus and reach an agreement on strengthening security cooperation. Zelensky also said that he told Sala that Ukraine, as a major grain-producing country, is a "reliable food supplier" and is willing to contribute to food security in the Middle East.
In addition, Syria and Ukraine also held a tripartite foreign ministers' meeting with Türkiye. Before visiting Syria, Zelensky visited Türkiye on the 4th and met with Turkish President Erdogan to discuss energy and security cooperation.
Zelensky started a trip to the Middle East in late March, intending to "promote" Ukraine's "actual combat-tested, more cost-effective anti-drone technology" to prevent Iran from retaliating against US military bases in the region. During the visit, Uzbekistan announced the signing of long-term defense agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and reached an intention to cooperate with the United Arab Emirates. The relevant parties did not announce the total amount and specific content of the agreement, but according to people familiar with the matter, some of the agreements last for ten years, which is an out-and-out arms "big order" for Ukraine.
Zelensky has repeatedly claimed that Ukraine has "the world's leading air defense capabilities." In an interview with the media at the end of March, he said that there is "no doubt" that Ukraine has "unparalleled" experience in the field of professional technology and can provide "unparalleled" help. He said that in the past four years, Ukraine has been dealing with "Iranian drones" used by Russia and developed a unified "air defense system."
According to Reuters, the new Syrian regime is not believed to have any air defense systems sufficient to deal with Iranian drones or missiles.
