Ukraine suffers new strikes as calls for peace intensify

By Stefan J. Bos

Emergency crews and firefighters worked to extinguish large fires in Kharkiv, where several residential areas were reportedly affected. Images released by Ukrainian authorities showed rescuers assisting survivors, including children.

The attacks came a day after Ukraine launched one of its largest drone operations against Russia since the start of the war. Russian officials said the strikes targeted an oil refinery and other sites around Moscow, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured.

According to Russian authorities, hundreds of Ukrainian drones were intercepted across the country. The attacks also disrupted air traffic around the Russian capital and formed part of Kyiv’s broader campaign against Russian military and energy infrastructure.

Speaking on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hopes increased pressure on Russia will eventually encourage negotiations aimed at ending Europe’s largest land war since World War Two.

Despite continued fighting, Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism that the war could end before winter if Ukraine receives additional military assistance from its Western allies. He said Ukraine would require a substantial new package of support, including hundreds of rockets.

Separately in Brussels, leaders of the European Union reaffirmed their backing for Ukraine.

Among those supporting a joint statement was Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, whose position reflects a notable shift from the more Russia-friendly approach of his predecessor, Viktor Orbán.

European leaders accused Russia of “intensifying missile and drone attacks” against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure after failing to achieve key military objectives.

They urged Moscow to agree to a “full and immediate ceasefire” and to engage in “meaningful negotiations” to secure a just and lasting peace.

The European Union also pledged to maintain economic pressure on Russia and continue measures intended to weaken the country’s ability to sustain the war.

Amid military operations and accusations of espionage, prospects for renewed peace talks remain uncertain.

Yet the international community, including the Vatican, continues to call for a peaceful end to the war, now in its fifth year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The conflict has brought immense suffering and loss of life to both Ukrainians and Russians.

Listen to Stefan Bos' report: {"@context": "http://schema.org","@type": "AudioObject","@id": "https://media.vaticannews.va/media2/audio/s1/2026/06/19/15/139186210_F139186210.mp3","name": "Audio","description": "Audio","uploadDate" : "2026-06-19T15:37:54.385+02:00","thumbnailUrl" : "https://www.vaticannews.va/etc/designs/vatican-news/release/library/main/images/audio-overlay.250.141.png"}