Russia and Ukraine trade strikes despite diplomatic engagements

Reciprocal air strikes between Russia and Ukraine persisted overnight despite diplomatic efforts and planned visits by U.S. envoys to negotiate peace frameworks. Russian missile and drone attacks targeted multiple Ukrainian regions, causing fatalities and civilian injuries in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Ukrainian forces launched retaliatory drone strikes against Russian targets, hitting an oil refinery alongside locations in Sochi and the Belgorod region.

The continued hostilities follow claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv's participation remains contingent on Western partners guaranteeing Russian compliance regarding energy, infrastructure, and supply routes. Additionally, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned a Russian strike near the Polish border as an attempt to intimidate European allies ahead of upcoming diplomatic discussions.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), N1, Vijesti