Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes ahead of US peace mission

Cross-border attacks between Russia and Ukraine persisted overnight as US diplomatic envoys prepared to visit both capitals for peace discussions. Russian strikes targeted several Ukrainian regions, resulting in casualties in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly struck a Russian oil refinery alongside targets in Sochi and Belgorod.

The violence followed claims by US President Donald Trump that Moscow and Kyiv agreed to cease targeting energy facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy countered that Kyiv would refrain from targeting Russian energy infrastructure only if Western allies guarantee Russia halts strikes on Ukrainian energy, transport, and food supply networks.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. Additionally, European Union officials condemned recent Russian strikes near the Polish border, characterising them as attempts to divide European allies.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti