Russia’s latest attacks on Zaporizhia come as European leaders gather in Brussels to discuss the possible use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s war effort, while Washington explores parallel diplomatic channels with both Kyiv and Moscow.

Speaking to AnewZ, Ukrainian journalist Mariia Ulianovska said the strikes reflect a long-standing and deliberate pattern rather than an escalation linked to diplomacy.

“Russia has used the glided aerial bombs to target civilian apartment buildings in Zaporizhia, injuring 32 people,” she said, stressing that such weapons are designed for precision. “They are developed to hit a precise target, they are not hitting random things.”

Ulianovska described the attacks as part of a systematic campaign against civilians and contrasted Russia’s tactics with Ukraine’s military strategy.

“Ukraine is trying to stop the Russian war machine by targeting its energy infrastructure, when Russia is targeting civilian apartment buildings, trying to hit civilians,” she said.

Turning to the EU debate over frozen Russian assets, Ulianovska described the decision as critical for Ukraine’s survival.

She noted that while Russian central bank assets remain frozen, political resistance within the EU, particularly from Belgium, where most of the assets are held has slowed progress. 

“The strategic impact of this decision is really hard to stress more,” Ulianovska said, arguing that releasing the funds would not only keep Ukraine afloat but also reduce the risk of further Russian advances and wider instability in Europe.

• EU leaders agree to work on using Russian assets for loan for Ukraine
• EU warns Russia blocking Ukraine peace efforts, urges increased pressure

The analyst also addressed upcoming U.S.-Russia and U.S.-Ukraine talks, saying negotiations remain tense and volatile.

“Ukraine has made a lot of concessions within these negotiations and showed that it’s ready to have compromise to get to the peace,” she said, while adding that Moscow has rejected ceasefire proposals and continues to harden its demands.

She stressed that additional pressure on Russia is essential, pointing to potential new U.S. sanctions targeting Russian oil revenues.

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