The article reports that a Ukrainian drone strike on a car in Russia's Belgorod region killed one person and wounded two, including a child, days before planned peace talks in Paris. Separate drone strikes in Ukraine's Kharkiv region wounded three, and the death toll from a Russian missile attack in Kharkiv rose to four after two more bodies were recovered. The incidents unfolded as 18 national security advisers visited Kyiv and President Zelenskyy prepared to discuss security guarantees and finalise documents in Paris.
Ukrainian Drone Strike Kills One In Russia's Belgorod Ahead Of Paris Peace Talks
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a briefing in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Danylo Antoniuk)
A Ukrainian drone struck a car in Russia's Belgorod border region on Sunday, killing one person and wounding two others, local officials said. The attack came days before high-level peace talks in Paris aimed at resolving the nearly four-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Casualties and Local Reports
Belgorod regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said a young child was among those injured. In Ukraine, the State Emergency Service reported that overnight drone strikes in the Kharkiv region wounded three people.
Kharkiv Attack
Separately, the death toll from a Russian missile strike on Kharkiv on Friday rose to four after two additional bodies were recovered from the rubble of a damaged building, Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram.
Diplomatic Context
The incidents occurred as 18 national security advisers from European countries and other allies visited Kyiv to discuss security guarantees and economic support — part of a U.S.-led diplomatic push to intensify efforts to end the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is preparing to travel to Paris for meetings with international partners, said Ukraine has shared all documents under discussion with the advisers, including papers on security guarantees.
Zelenskyy said representatives from Ukraine's General Staff and military sector would meet in Paris on Monday, followed by a meeting of European leaders on Tuesday where he hopes documents on security guarantees will be finalized. He also said he expects meetings with U.S. representatives while in Paris.
Editor’s note: Events are developing. Casualty counts and official statements may be updated as authorities release more information.
Follow continued coverage of the conflict and diplomatic efforts in Paris at the AP News hub.
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