US says progress made at talks with Ukraine as Russia attacks infrastructure

December 6, 2025

Russia conducted a massive aerial assault on Ukrainian infrastructure, launching over 650 drones and 51 missiles that primarily targeted civilian facilities including a railway hub near Kyiv and energy installations across eight regions. This escalation occurred as US-Ukraine negotiations in Florida extended into a third day, following an inconclusive meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Putin in Moscow. The talks have focused on establishing security arrangements and deterrence capabilities for lasting peace, though major disagreements persist over territorial control, NATO membership, and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Who is affected

Ukrainian civilians experiencing blackouts and infrastructure damage across eight regions
Railway workers and facilities at Fastiv station outside Kyiv
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha
US negotiators including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner
Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's national security council
Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian defense ministry
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant operations
Ukraine's European allies
Populations in Russian-controlled territories (one-fifth of Ukraine, including Donbas region)

What action is being taken

Russia is launching aerial bombardments with drones and missiles against Ukrainian infrastructure
Russia is intensifying attacks on Ukraine's energy sector and infrastructure
US and Ukrainian negotiators are conducting talks in Florida (entering third day)
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Ukrainian representative Rustem Umerov are discussing security arrangements and deterrence capabilities
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is calling for strengthened support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia

Why it matters

This matters because the massive Russian assault on civilian infrastructure demonstrates Moscow's continued disregard for peace efforts even as diplomatic negotiations are underway, undermining prospects for a negotiated settlement. The attacks on energy facilities and critical infrastructure directly impact Ukrainian civilians through blackouts and disrupted services, while strikes near nuclear facilities like Zaporizhzhia pose catastrophic risks. The ongoing negotiations represent a critical diplomatic effort to end the war, but fundamental disagreements over territorial control, NATO membership, and security guarantees reveal deep divisions that could prevent a lasting peace agreement. The outcome will determine Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and future security architecture in Europe.

What's next

The Florida negotiations between US and Ukrainian representatives will continue for a third day on Saturday
Russia has warned Ukrainian troops to withdraw fully from the Donbas region this week, threatening to "liberate these territories by force" otherwise
The Kremlin indicated Putin is ready to continue meeting with American envoys "as many times as needed"

Read full article from source: BBC