Russia and Ukraine trade strikes as U.S. envoys launch peace talks

Cross-border military operations between Russia and Ukraine persisted overnight despite diplomatic efforts and claims of a temporary pause in targeting capital cities and energy infrastructure. Russian strikes across several Ukrainian regions, including Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, resulted in multiple casualties. In response, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted additional Russian petroleum assets as well as locations in Belgorod and Sochi.

The continued hostilities coincided with visits by U.S. envoys to Moscow and Kyiv to discuss potential peace frameworks ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s planned address at the United Nations General Assembly. While U.S. President Donald Trump publicly claimed both sides agreed to stop attacking energy targets, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would halt such strikes only if Western allies guarantee Moscow refrains from targeting Ukrainian energy, logistics, and supply lines. Meanwhile, European Union officials characterized a recent Russian strike near Ukraine's border with Poland as an attempt to intimidate European partners.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti