Ukraine and Russia exchange strikes ahead of US diplomatic envoys' visits

Cross-border military strikes between Ukrainian and Russian forces continued overnight despite ongoing diplomatic preparations and discussions regarding a pause on targeting capital cities and energy infrastructure.

Russian missile and drone attacks targeted multiple Ukrainian regions, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, causing civilian casualties. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones struck a Russian oil refinery, alongside reported attacks in Belgorod and Sochi. European officials also condemned a Russian strike on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border, framing it as an attempt to intimidate European allies.

The escalation coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the United States and scheduled arrivals of American envoys in Moscow and Kyiv to discuss peace proposals. While US President Donald Trump stated both nations agreed to stop attacks on energy facilities, Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv will comply only if Western allies guarantee that Russia refrains from targeting Ukraine's energy, transport, and food infrastructure.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti