Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a joint press conference.
Russian drones struck the Ukrainian city of Dnipro early Sunday.
The attack killed at least 12 people, Ukrainian authorities confirmed.
Most victims were mineworkers traveling home after a night shift.
The strike came as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine were rescheduled for next week.
The incident added to growing fears over escalating drone warfare.
It also raised doubts over recent diplomatic assurances.
Bus Carrying Mineworkers Hit in Dnipro
The Russian drone strike hit a company bus near Dnipro.
The vehicle was transporting mineworkers after completing their shift.
Emergency officials said several others were injured in the blast.
A fire broke out at the scene but was later extinguished.
DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, owned the bus.
The company accused Russia of launching a targeted terror attack.
It said the strike focused on energy infrastructure and workers.
Energy Workers Caught in the Attack
DTEK said the attack occurred near the Ternivska mine.
The mine is located east of the city of Dnipro.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal condemned the strike strongly.
He called it a cynical assault on civilian energy workers.
Officials stressed that miners were not linked to military operations.
The strike, they said, violated humanitarian principles.
Zelenskyy Confirms Peace Talks Dates
Hours before the Dnipro drone strike, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an announcement.
He confirmed the next round of Russia-Ukraine talks.
The meetings will take place on February 4 and 5.
The venue will be Abu Dhabi.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready for meaningful discussions.
He said Kyiv wanted a dignified and lasting end to the war.
There was no immediate response from Moscow or Washington.
Talks Delayed, Tensions Remain High
Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States were expected to meet Sunday.
Those talks were postponed without public explanation.
Zelenskyy said the delay followed a briefing from Ukraine’s negotiating team.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev spoke Saturday about U.S. contacts.
He said discussions in Florida were constructive.
However, no details were shared with the public.
Deep Divisions Over Peace Terms
Despite diplomatic engagement, divisions remain sharp.
Russia and Ukraine disagree on key territorial issues.
Moscow occupies large parts of eastern Ukraine.
This includes areas of the Donbas industrial region.
Kyiv insists Russia must withdraw from occupied territories.
Moscow wants recognition of its territorial claims.
These opposing positions continue to stall progress.
Maternity Hospital Hit in Zaporizhzhia
Earlier Sunday, Russian drones struck southern Ukraine.
A maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia was hit during the attack.
Emergency services reported injuries to women inside the facility.
A fire erupted in the gynecology reception area.
Regional officials later said six people were injured.
The fire was brought under control within hours.
The attack sparked outrage across Ukraine.
Questions Over Russia’s Pledge
The Kremlin recently claimed it would pause strikes on Kyiv.
The pledge was meant to last through the weekend.
However, Russia did not provide details of the agreement.
Ukraine reported new strikes during the same period.
Energy facilities were hit in Odesa and Kharkiv.
The Kyiv region was also attacked midweek.
Overnight Drone Attacks Continue
Ukraine’s air force reported 90 Russian drones launched overnight.
Fourteen drones hit targets across nine locations.
Two people were killed in separate strikes in Dnipro.
Shelling also struck central Kherson on Sunday morning.
A 59-year-old woman was seriously injured.
Russian officials claimed their attacks targeted transport infrastructure.
Russia also said it intercepted 21 Ukrainian drones.
No damage or casualties were reported on Russian soil.
As Russian drones continue to strike Ukrainian cities, hopes for peace remain fragile.
