Deadly attacks hit Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Belgorod amid Miami negotiations to end Ukraine war
Ukraine and Russia traded deadly strikes on Saturday even as US-backed peace talks resumed in Miami, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the Ukraine war. Several people were reported killed on both sides, and thousands in northern Ukraine’s Chernihiv region were left without power.
Casualties Reported
Ukraine: Four deaths in Chernihiv, two killed and six injured in Zaporizhzhia, and two deaths plus five injuries in Dnipropetrovsk, according to local officials.
Russia: Two people killed and one injured in Belgorod from Ukrainian shelling, reported Russian authorities.
US-Backed Peace Talks
The Miami meetings included US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, alongside Ukrainian representatives.
Witkoff described the discussions as “constructive,” focusing on narrowing remaining issues to advance a comprehensive peace agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the talks’ global importance, stating they aim to gauge Russia’s readiness for a genuine end to the war, especially amid heightened geopolitical tensions due to the Middle East conflict.
Challenges to Ceasefire
Despite multiple prior rounds of negotiations, no ceasefire has been achieved. Ukraine and Western allies have criticized the US for perceived pro-Russian bias, particularly after draft proposals suggested Ukraine cede territory still under its control.
Russia has continued to pursue territorial gains, leveraging higher oil and gas prices from the ongoing Iran conflict to strengthen its position. Meanwhile, Ukraine is still awaiting a €90-billion EU aid package, currently delayed by political disputes with Hungary.
The ongoing strikes underscore the fragile nature of peace efforts, as Ukraine continues to defend its territory while diplomatic efforts aim to prevent further escalation.
Source: DW