Ukraine and Russia exchange strikes ahead of US envoy peace talks

Cross-border attacks between Russia and Ukraine continued overnight as US envoys prepared to visit both capitals for peace talks. Despite reported commitments to pause strikes on Kyiv and Moscow during negotiations, regional shelling persisted. Ukrainian authorities reported casualties in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while Ukrainian drones targeted sites in Sochi, Belgorod, and a Russian oil refinery.

The strikes coincided with claims by US President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to stop targeting energy facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that Kyiv would pause such attacks only if Western partners ensure Moscow refrains from striking Ukraine’s energy, infrastructure, and food routes. European Union leaders also criticized a Russian attack on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border, framing it as an attempt to divide Europe.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti