Russia and Ukraine trade strikes despite planned US diplomatic visits

Military strikes between Russia and Ukraine persisted overnight, even as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner prepared to visit both capitals to initiate diplomatic discussions. Russian bombardments resulted in casualties in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while Ukrainian drone activity was recorded in Russia's Belgorod and Sochi regions.

The ongoing hostilities follow statements from US President Donald Trump claiming both sides agreed to suspend strikes against energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted his country would comply if international partners ensure Moscow also refrains from hitting energy, civil infrastructure, and food distribution networks.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian media reported that frontline troops received directives for a four-day operational pause. Separately, European Union leaders criticized a Russian strike near the Ukrainian-Polish border as an attempt to undermine European unity.

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