Zelenskyy accuses Russia of using cluster warheads in deadly strikes hours after U.S. prisoner release

Key Points:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using cluster munitions in overnight strikes on Kyiv and other locations, resulting in at least four deaths and 34 injuries, including five children.
• Zelenskyy highlighted that Russia launched three ballistic missiles with cluster warheads targeting Kyiv, which detonate mid-air and affect a wide area, causing indiscriminate harm to civilians.
• Russia denied using cluster munitions, claiming its air defenses shot down 808 Ukrainian drones overnight, and reported two injuries from drone attacks on Moscow.
• The attacks followed talks in St. Petersburg between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Kremlin officials stating any progress would take time, while Zelenskyy criticized Russia's continued aggression despite negotiations.
• Zelenskyy also noted ongoing Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with 170 attacks since October 11, and called for interceptor missiles to defend Ukraine, amid U.S. political debate over military aid provisions.