Moscow and Kyiv exchange strikes ahead of visits by US peace envoys

Russia and Ukraine exchanged strikes overnight despite pledges by leaders Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt attacks on Moscow and Kyiv during visits by US peace envoys this weekend. Russian missile and drone strikes across several Ukrainian regions caused multiple civilian casualties, while Ukrainian drones targeted Russian sites, including an oil refinery and locations in Belgorod and Sochi.

The continued hostilities coincided with US President Donald Trump claiming both nations agreed to refrain from attacking energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Kyiv would pause energy strikes only if Western partners guarantee Moscow halts its attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, food supply lines, and transport networks. Meanwhile, European Union diplomatic chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned a recent Russian strike near the Polish border, framing it as an attempt to divide European allies.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti