Russia and Ukraine trade regional strikes ahead of U.S. diplomatic visits

Cross-border attacks persisted overnight across multiple regions despite upcoming diplomatic efforts and planned visits by U.S. envoys to Kyiv and Moscow. Russian strikes targeted at least four Ukrainian regions, resulting in four deaths, including a 74-year-old man in Zaporizhzhia, and injuring over ten others. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an oil refinery in Russia and caused injuries in the Belgorod and Sochi regions.

The continued hostilities come ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Although reports indicate both sides pledged to pause direct strikes on Moscow and Kyiv while U.S. envoys discuss potential peace plans this weekend, regional fighting continues. Zelenskyy clarified that Ukraine will halt energy-related strikes only if Western partners guarantee Russia ceases targeting Ukrainian power, transport, and food infrastructure.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti