Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that recent actions and statements from Moscow suggest Russia has no intention of negotiating a peace agreement to end the ongoing war.
“Now, the signals coming from Russia are simply outrageous,” Zelensky said on the evening of August 21, following a wave of Russian airstrikes. “They are trying to avoid holding a meeting. They do not want to end this war.”
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched 574 drones and 40 missiles across several regions on Thursday, killing civilians and causing severe damage to residential areas and infrastructure. The strikes marked Russia’s largest aerial attack this month, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Zelensky and European leaders in Washington to push forward peace talks.
Civilian and Business Targets Hit
Among the targets was a major American-owned electronics factory in the Zakarpattia region. Governor Myroslav Biletskiy said the civilian facility, which mainly produces household appliances, was hit by two Kalibr cruise missiles, sparking a fire that spread over 7,000 square meters.
Company spokesman Conor Phillips confirmed the facility belongs to Flex Ltd, stressing that it produces only civilian goods. Several employees were injured, and six were hospitalized.
Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, called the attack “a truly horrific Russian missile strike” against one of the largest U.S. investments in Ukraine.
“This was not only an attack on Ukraine. It was an attack on American business,” Hunder posted on X, urging President Trump to protect U.S. companies and confront Vladimir Putin’s campaign of destruction.
Pressure for Security Guarantees
Earlier on August 21, Zelensky urged Western allies to agree on a concrete plan for security guarantees within 7–10 days, emphasizing that Russian President Vladimir Putin “understands only strength and pressure.”
During high-level talks in Washington on August 18, U.S., Ukrainian, and European leaders agreed to begin drafting a post-war security framework for Ukraine. While the main responsibility is expected to fall on European nations, the United States will provide key backing.
