The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, despite multiple discussions among world leaders regarding a possible ceasefire. The Engels Air Base in the Saratov region has become the focal point of a massive Ukrainian drone attack, triggering a large-scale fire. This facility is crucial to Russia’s military strategy as it houses Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons. In response to this escalation, the Kremlin has declared a state of emergency in the area and has begun evacuating nearby residents.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities have reported an intense Russian bombardment on their territory, involving six missiles and 145 combat drones overnight. The central Ukrainian city of Kropyvnytskyi was among the hardest hit, with explosions leaving at least eight people injured, including a minor.
Amid this climate of tension, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed willingness to halt attacks on Russian infrastructure as part of a potential agreement mediated by Washington. This proposal comes after Putin, during a call with Trump, pledged to temporarily safeguard Ukraine’s energy sector. In this context, Donald Trump has also suggested that the United States take over the management of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants as a security measure.
