Foiling of an Attack on the Crimean Bridge and Russian Bombardment of Ukrainian Cities Ahead of the Washington Summit

Amid the escalation of military operations on the Russian-Ukrainian front, the Russian Federal Security Service announced today, Monday, the foiling of a serious terrorist attack attempt on the Crimean Bridge, carried out by Ukrainian intelligence using a car loaded with a powerful explosive device.

An official statement issued by the Federal Security Service's Public Relations Center confirmed that the car, a "Chevrolet Volt," entered Russian territory through several countries, and the explosive device was discovered and dismantled before a disaster occurred, with all those involved in the operation being arrested.

At the same time, Russia witnessed a horrific fire at a production facility in the Ryazan region, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and injuring 134 others, amid uncertainty about the causes of the fire so far.

In Ukraine, Russian forces launched missile strikes and drone attacks on several cities, including Kharkiv, which saw three fatalities, including a child, and 17 injuries, according to the city's mayor Igor Terekhov.

The city also suffered a ballistic missile strike that injured 11 other civilians.

Additionally, missiles hit industrial areas and residential neighborhoods, causing significant damage and acute psychological reactions among civilians.

The attacks also included the cities of Odessa and Donetsk, where drones targeted vital facilities and ignited large fires, while the Ukrainian General Staff reported 65 armed clashes on Sunday in several areas, including Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, which repelled multiple Russian attacks.

This military escalation comes at a time when eyes are turning to Washington, where U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in a new attempt to end the war that has been ongoing for more than three years.

This follows Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where Trump urged Kyiv to reach an agreement with Moscow, describing Russia as a "very powerful force."

Tensions are rising on the ground as global powers seek a political exit from the conflict that continues to exact a heavy human and material toll.

Will the coming days bring a new breakthrough? Or will the situation remain the same amid drone strikes, assassination attempts, and explosions?