Russia and Ukraine trade strikes as Trump claims potential energy truce

Cross-border strikes between Russia and Ukraine persisted overnight as U.S. envoys prepared for visits to Kyiv and Moscow to discuss potential peace frameworks. Russian bombardments across Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and other Ukrainian regions resulted in civilian casualties, with local authorities reporting up to four deaths and dozens injured. Simultaneously, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted a Russian oil refinery along with sites in Sochi and Belgorod.

The continued hostilities coincide with claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded that Kyiv would pause such strikes only if Western allies guarantee Russia ceases attacks on Ukrainian power networks, civil infrastructure, and food distribution lines. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned a Russian attack near Ukraine's border with Poland as an effort to divide European partners.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti