Paris talks resume as Ukraine war escalates

Defense ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom convened in Paris on Monday to discuss additional aid for Ukraine. French officials stated the group would also examine European defense strategy and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This gathering follows a June meeting in Berlin where the same five nations pledged continued support for Kyiv.

Combat intensified during the summit. In southeastern Ukraine, a Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia injured four people, according to regional Governor Mykhailo Semikin. Ukraine's emergency services reported two additional injuries from strikes in the Chernihiv region. Russia's Ministry of Defense announced attacks on power stations in Kharkiv and Khmelnytskyi. It also claimed hits on port infrastructure in Chornomorsk and a cargo vessel near Odesa.

Ukrainian forces responded with drone attacks on Russian territory. A strike on Voronezh killed two people and wounded 17, per regional Governor Alexander Gusev. Gusev noted that many victims were on a commuter train in a left-bank suburb when drone debris fell. He reported fires at industrial sites and a residential building, though industrial damage was limited. "A significant number of the injured, including two seriously wounded, were on a train that was moving in the left-bank suburb of Voronezh," Gusev said on Telegram.

The war has entered its fifth year with escalating attacks on both sides. Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries, while Russia maintains heavy air strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a Sunday interview that Kyiv would stop hitting refineries if Moscow halts strikes on the power grid. Otherwise, he urged the United States to allow Starshield use over Russia or supply Patriot missiles.

Ukraine confirmed on Saturday that the Starlink satellite system and its military version, Starshield, were fully functional again after more than a week of restrictions. The curbs had disrupted military operations and increased tensions with Washington. Diplomatic efforts continue as well, with negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States expected to meet in Abu Dhabi in the first half of November.