Ukraine, Russia trade strikes as US-backed talks resume

Ukraine, Russia trade strikes as US-backed talks resume

Reported fatalities emerged from strikes in both Ukraine and Russia, with US-mediated discussions set to continue on Sunday. Amid the ongoing hostilities, thousands faced power disruptions in Chernihiv, a northern Ukrainian region, as the conflict escalated. Saturday’s attacks left several casualties, with Ukraine confirming four deaths from Russian strikes. The city of Zaporizhzhia saw a strike that killed two and injured six, according to local authorities. In the Belgorod border area, Russian officials reported at least two fatalities and one injury from Ukrainian shelling.

Ukrainian and US delegates convened in Miami for negotiations, aiming to address the conflict’s resolution. The talks, which began Saturday and extend into Sunday, seek to refocus global attention on ending the war in Ukraine after much of the world’s focus shifted to the Middle East following the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff called the discussions “constructive,” highlighting their role in mediation efforts to resolve pending issues.

“The key issue is to understand how ready Russia is to move toward a real end to the war — honestly and with dignity — especially now, when geopolitical tensions have increased due to the situation around Iran,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a statement.

Zelenskyy, writing on X, emphasized the talks’ significance for global stability, stating the teams would “continue discussion” on Sunday. However, the Trump administration has drawn scrutiny for its apparent pro-Russian leanings, particularly after a draft agreement proposed territorial concessions by Ukraine. Despite multiple rounds of talks, a ceasefire has yet to materialize, with Zelenskyy’s main goal being to keep trilateral negotiations alive and ensure Western allies continue supplying arms.

Russia, meanwhile, has delayed progress, focusing on securing maximum territorial gains to strengthen its position in talks. The war’s impact has also driven up oil and gas prices, with the US granting temporary permission for countries to purchase Russian fuel. Ukraine remains reliant on a €90 billion aid package from the EU, which is currently stalled due to Hungary’s Viktor Orban.