LONDON — A significant drone attack by Russian forces on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, resulted in at least four fatalities and numerous injuries on Sunday night. Mayor Ihor Terekhov described the assault as a "massive" attack, stating that one of the deceased was found under rubble.

The regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov, reported that 12 individuals were injured, including two children aged 11 and 12. The attack involved 15 strikes across six areas of Kharkiv, which is located approximately 18 miles from the Russian border.

Kharkiv has been a frequent target of Russian assaults throughout the ongoing conflict, which has lasted over three and a half years. The city previously resisted Russian attempts to capture it early in the war.

In a broader context, Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 162 drones during the overnight attack, with air defenses managing to intercept or suppress 125 of them. However, 37 drones struck various locations, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure and private homes in Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

"Unfortunately, there are civilian casualties," the air force stated in a Telegram post. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down at least 93 Ukrainian drones during the same period.

This latest wave of violence coincided with diplomatic discussions in Geneva, Switzerland, involving U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials. They were addressing a contentious 28-point peace proposal from the United States, which critics argue could lead to a Ukrainian capitulation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the talks as "probably the most productive and meaningful meeting we've had so far in this entire process since we became involved." He noted that any agreement would require approval from the presidents of both countries.

Rubio expressed optimism about narrowing differences and moving closer to a resolution that would satisfy both Ukraine and the United States. He indicated that the deadline for reaching an agreement is "as soon as possible," although it may extend beyond a Thanksgiving deadline set by President Donald Trump.

Trump, who spoke to reporters on Saturday, mentioned that there is still room for negotiation regarding the 28-point plan. He emphasized that the plan is not a final offer, stating, "One way or another we'll get it ended."

On Sunday, Trump criticized Ukraine and its European allies, claiming that Ukrainian leadership has shown "zero gratitude" for U.S. efforts and pointing out that Europe continues to purchase oil from Russia.

In response to these comments, Rubio suggested that Trump is now "quite pleased" with the progress made in negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on social media that his delegation in Geneva engaged in substantive discussions with American and European partners. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and expressed hope for a reliable peace and security for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy stated, "Ukraine has never wanted this war, and we will never be an obstacle to peace." He added that diplomacy has been revitalized and expressed optimism about the outcome of the negotiations.

The Kremlin has not yet commented on the Geneva talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the new U.S. proposal during a Security Council meeting, suggesting it could serve as a basis for a final peace settlement, but noted that it has not been thoroughly discussed with Ukraine.

Putin remarked, "Apparently, Ukraine and its European allies are still under the illusion that they can inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield."