Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to hold high-level talks with key European allies as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate, with fresh Russian attacks targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas across the country.
On Sunday, Zelensky will join British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Downing Street in London. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening European support for Ukraine, enhancing security cooperation, and discussing the next steps in efforts to counter Russia’s ongoing military campaign.
The talks come at a critical moment as Ukraine reports a series of intensified Russian strikes, including an attack near the Chornobyl nuclear power plant that has sparked renewed concerns about nuclear safety in the region.
Zelensky Condemns Chornobyl Attack and Calls for Stronger Support
Ahead of the London meeting, Ukrainian authorities reported that a Russian drone struck a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel near the Chornobyl nuclear plant in northern Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian officials, the attack caused a fire that was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported, and authorities confirmed that radiation levels remained stable despite damage to the facility.
Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear operator, Enerhoatom, stated that the strike partially damaged a building used for storing spent nuclear fuel. The company emphasized that there was no immediate threat to public safety but described the incident as a serious violation of nuclear security standards.
Zelensky reacted strongly to the attack, accusing Russia of deliberately targeting critical nuclear infrastructure.
In a statement posted on social media, Zelensky described the strike as a “vile” act and argued that the facility was of immense importance to regional and international safety. He said the attack demonstrated Russia’s continued willingness to endanger civilian lives and create risks extending far beyond the battlefield.
The Ukrainian president warned that attacks on nuclear-related facilities could have devastating consequences and called on international partners to maintain pressure on Moscow.
The Chornobyl incident was only one part of a broader wave of Russian attacks that Ukrainian officials say has intensified in recent weeks.
Zelensky revealed that Russia had launched a massive number of strikes across Ukraine over the past week. According to the president, Moscow deployed dozens of missiles, thousands of drones, and hundreds of guided bombs targeting multiple regions.
He said overnight attacks affected at least 13 regions of the country, damaging infrastructure and placing additional strain on communities already enduring more than four years of conflict.
Meanwhile, authorities reported that at least three people were killed in a Russian strike on a village outside Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Ukraine. The region has experienced relentless bombardment, with civilian casualties continuing to mount.
Just one day earlier, at least two people were killed in separate attacks in the Zaporizhzhia area, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian toll of the conflict.
For Zelensky and his government, these attacks reinforce the urgent need for continued military assistance and stronger international backing.
While Ukraine remains under heavy attack, Kyiv has also demonstrated its growing ability to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.
On Saturday, Ukrainian drones targeted St Petersburg and nearby areas during the final day of one of Russia’s most important economic gatherings. Russian officials reportedly described the operation as unprecedented because of its scale and distance from the Ukrainian border.
The attack followed another Ukrainian strike earlier in the week that targeted the outskirts of St Petersburg as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s flagship economic forum was getting underway.
The incident resulted in large plumes of smoke being seen across parts of the city and underscored Ukraine’s evolving military capabilities.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine has invested heavily in expanding its domestic defence industry. As a result, Ukrainian forces can now regularly carry out long-range drone operations against military and strategic targets inside Russia.
Military analysts say these capabilities have become an increasingly important component of Ukraine’s broader defence strategy.
The London meeting represents another significant diplomatic opportunity for Zelensky as he seeks to secure long-term commitments from Ukraine’s closest partners.
The United Kingdom, France, and Germany remain among Ukraine’s strongest supporters and have played leading roles in coordinating assistance packages, military aid, and diplomatic initiatives.
The UK and France have also spearheaded the so-called “coalition of the willing,” a framework aimed at developing security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any future peace settlement.
European leaders are expected to discuss how best to maintain support for Kyiv while preparing for potential future negotiations regarding the conflict.
The gathering follows a previous meeting of the E3 group in London, where leaders examined proposals for ending the war and strengthening European security cooperation.
As Zelensky meets with his allies, the message from Kyiv remains clear: Ukraine intends to continue defending its territory while seeking stronger international backing against Russian aggression.
With attacks continuing across the country and concerns growing over the targeting of critical infrastructure, Zelensky’s discussions in London are likely to shape the next phase of European support for Ukraine and its long-term security strategy.
Source- BBC
