Ukraine, Russia trade strikes as US-backed talks resume
Ukraine, Russia trade strikes as US-backed talks resume
As the US-led negotiations continue on Sunday, reports of casualties have surfaced in both Russia and Ukraine. Thousands in the Chernihiv region remain without electricity following recent attacks, while multiple fatalities were recorded across the conflict zones. The strikes coincide with ongoing discussions between Ukrainian and American representatives in Miami, aiming to revive efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Saturday’s violent incidents left several dead and injured in both countries. In Chernihiv, significant areas were left without power, intensifying the humanitarian challenges. A strike in Zaporizhia resulted in two deaths and six injuries, according to Governor Ivan Fedorov. Neighboring Dnipropetrovsk also reported two fatalities and five wounded individuals. Russian authorities, meanwhile, cited casualties from Ukrainian shelling in the Belgorod border region, noting at least two deaths and one injury.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the talks’ global significance, emphasizing their role in addressing the war’s resolution. He stated via X that the teams would “continue discussion” on Sunday, stressing the urgency of understanding Russia’s willingness to end the conflict with “honesty and dignity” amid heightened geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran situation.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff described the talks as “constructive,” focusing on bridging remaining gaps in negotiations. The talks, which began Saturday, aim to refocus international attention on Ukraine’s war after it shifted toward the Middle East due to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Witkoff noted that the discussions are part of broader mediation efforts to reach a comprehensive peace agreement.
Despite earlier attempts to broker a ceasefire, multiple rounds of talks have not yet succeeded. Ukraine and its Western allies accuse the Trump administration of favoring Russia, particularly over a draft document proposing territorial concessions. Zelenskyy, however, reiterated his goal of sustaining trilateral talks with Russia while ensuring EU partners can access US-supplied weapons. Meanwhile, Russia has slowed progress by maximizing territorial gains, capitalizing on rising oil and gas prices due to the Iran conflict, with the US granting temporary fuel permits to countries.
The EU’s €90-billion aid package, critical to Ukraine’s defense, is delayed by Hungary’s Viktor Orban. This financial hold-up adds pressure to the talks, as Ukraine awaits crucial support to sustain its war effort. With the stakes high, the resumption of negotiations in Miami carries the weight of global expectations for a resolution.
