Cross-border strikes persist between Russia and Ukraine ahead of US diplomatic talks

Reciprocal military strikes between Russia and Ukraine continued overnight ahead of visits by U.S. envoys arriving to conduct peace talks. Russian missile and drone attacks struck multiple Ukrainian regions, killing civilians in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Ukrainian forces simultaneously hit Russian targets, including an oil refinery alongside locations in Sochi and Belgorod.

The military activity persisted despite U.S. President Donald Trump announcing that both sides agreed to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that Kyiv's compliance depends on Western partners guaranteeing Russian restraint against Ukrainian energy facilities, supply routes, and food corridors. Other reports noted commitments from both leaders to pause strikes on Moscow and Kyiv during diplomatic discussions. EU officials separately condemned Russian strikes near the Polish border as intimidation tactics.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), N1, Vijesti