Russia and Ukraine trade strikes ahead of US envoy talks and Zelenskyy visit

Cross-border attacks between Russia and Ukraine continued overnight despite announced pauses on targeting capitals and energy infrastructure during peace talks with visiting U.S. envoys.

Russian drone and missile strikes hit several Ukrainian regions, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, resulting in civilian fatalities and injuries. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned a Russian strike on a train near the Polish border as an attempt to intimidate Europe. Meanwhile, Ukrainian strikes reportedly damaged another Russian oil refinery and injured several people in Belgorod and Sochi.

The continued hostilities coincide with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the United States for the UN General Assembly. Addressing U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of a mutual pledge to spare energy grids, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will refrain from energy strikes only if Western allies ensure Russia halts attacks on Ukrainian power, infrastructure, and supply lines.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti