Ukraine and Russia trade major strikes despite Witkoff talks and peace hopes
Strikes hit Ukrainian cities
In the Kharkiv region, a Russian strike killed a woman and injured four others, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. A drone also hit energy infrastructure in the Poltava region, local authorities reported without giving further details.
Drone attacks reported in Russia
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 630 drones were launched toward the region overnight, and at least two people were wounded. He said air defenses destroyed most of the drones; 163 had been approaching the capital. In Lipetsk, western Russia, a man was injured when drones hit apartment buildings and a medical facility, Governor Igor Artamonov said.
Diplomatic efforts continue
Witkoff met Zelenskyy in Norway earlier in the week, then held talks with Putin in Russia on Wednesday. The Trump administration has been trying to mediate an end to the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Talks and attacks overlap
US President Donald Trump said the sides were closer than before to ending the war after Witkoff met Putin. The overnight attacks nevertheless continued. The strikes came shortly after the leaders expressed willingness to resume US-mediated discussions. Their timing underscored the gap between diplomatic signals and the continuing attacks.
Key points
- Missile strikes in Kyiv injured at least 15 people, eight of whom were hospitalized.
- Authorities reported casualties and damage in Kharkiv, Poltava, Moscow, and Lipetsk.
- Putin and Zelenskyy both indicated support for renewed US-mediated negotiations.
- The attacks continued after Witkoff held talks with both leaders.