Ukraine and Russia exchange strikes as envoys prepare for peace talks

Despite diplomatic initiatives involving US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, cross-border strikes between Russian and Ukrainian forces persisted overnight. Ukrainian emergency services reported casualties in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia following Russian drone and missile attacks, while drone activity was recorded in Russia's Belgorod region and Sochi. Additionally, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas condemned a Russian strike on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border as an attempt to intimidate European allies.

The military actions coincide with public statements regarding an agreement to protect energy targets. While US President Donald Trump announced that both sides agreed to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky specified that Kyiv would comply only if Western partners guarantee Moscow halts attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and food supply routes. Meanwhile, reports indicated select Ukrainian frontline units received orders to observe a four-day combat pause during the negotiations.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Index, N1, Vijesti