Ukraine and Russia trade strikes ahead of US envoys' peace mission

Military actions between Ukrainian and Russian forces continued overnight despite scheduled visits by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv and Moscow for peace talks. Recent Russian strikes caused casualties across Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while Ukrainian drone attacks were reported in Russia's Belgorod and Sochi regions.

The ongoing clashes coincide with claims from US President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to halt strikes against energy facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Ukraine would abide by the agreement if Western allies ensure Russia refrains from targeting energy, civil infrastructure, and supply routes. Additionally, Ukrainian media reported frontline troops were instructed to observe a four-day operational pause starting at midnight. European Union officials also condemned a Russian strike near the Ukrainian-Polish border as an effort to divide Europe.

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