Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes as US pushes energy infrastructure pause

Cross-border strikes between Russian and Ukrainian forces continued overnight despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a pause in infrastructure attacks. Russian air strikes hit several Ukrainian regions, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, resulting in civilian fatalities and injuries. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Russian positions, including an oil refinery, Belgorod, and Sochi.

The continued hostilities coincide with diplomatic engagements surrounding US-led peace proposals. US President Donald Trump stated that both nations had agreed to cease attacks on energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv will comply only if Western partners guarantee Russia halts strikes on Ukrainian energy, transport, and food logistics.

European officials condemned a Russian attack near the Ukrainian-Polish border as an attempt to intimidate allies, as American envoys prepare to visit Kyiv and Moscow.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti