US envoys arrive for peace talks as Ukraine and Russia exchange strikes

Cross-border military exchanges between Russian and Ukrainian forces persisted overnight, despite the arrival of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv and Moscow for peace talks. Ukrainian emergency services reported at least one fatality and multiple injuries following strikes across several regions, including Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while drone attacks were recorded in Russia's Belgorod region and Sochi.

The continued hostilities coincided with claims by US President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Kyiv would comply only if Western partners guarantee Russian adherence across energy, infrastructure, and food supply routes. Meanwhile, reports emerged that several Ukrainian frontline brigades were instructed to observe a four-day combat pause during negotiations. Additionally, EU officials condemned a recent Russian strike near the Polish border as an attempt to divide European allies.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Index, N1, Vijesti