Russia and Ukraine trade strikes as US envoys visit for peace talks

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts involving US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, cross-border strikes between Russia and Ukraine persisted overnight. Ukrainian officials reported casualties in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia following Russian attacks, while Ukrainian drones targeted regions in southern Russia, including Belgorod and Sochi.

The continued hostilities coincide with discussions on halting attacks on energy infrastructure. Following US President Donald Trump's announcement of an agreement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky specified that Kyiv would only refrain from targeting Russian energy facilities if Western partners guarantee Moscow's compliance across energy and supply routes. Additionally, media reports indicated that select Ukrainian frontline units were ordered to observe a temporary four-day pause in combat operations to coincide with the high-level peace talks.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Index, N1, Vijesti