Russia and Ukraine exchanged heavy drone and missile strikes following a high-level meeting between a U.S. envoy and Vladimir Putin.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged heavy attacks this week. These strikes followed a meeting between a U.S. envoy and Russia’s president.
Meanwhile, Russian forces hit Kyiv overnight on Thursday. This attack killed at least one person. It also injured 22 others, including four children.
Also, the strike damaged a key bridge over the Dnipro River. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the damage to the city’s metro infrastructure.
Next, Ukraine launched a massive drone offensive against Russia. Moscow reported 630 drones in the air. Most were shot down by defenses.
However, officials in Russia said two people were wounded in Moscow. Another person suffered injuries in the Lipetsk region.
After that, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. They discussed potential talks to end the ongoing war.
Then, Russia released American teacher Stephen Hubbard. Envoy Witkoff praised Putin for this decision. President Donald Trump suggested the war might be ending soon.
Still, the Kremlin remains cautious about future negotiations. They claimed current peace proposals from Ukraine lack real substance.
Furthermore, President Trump recently delayed new sanctions against Russia. He stated this move helped secure the release of Stephen Hubbard.
Also, Trump highlighted a new deal for Russia to sell diesel. This agreement aims to lower fuel prices for Americans.
However, the deal angered officials in Kyiv and across Europe. Ukrainian leaders worry that these actions show too much support for Russia.
Finally, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned against appeasement. He argued that only strength will stop the Russian military campaign.