Following overnight strikes across Ukraine that killed multiple civilians and damaged energy sites, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia has not changed its stance despite diplomatic outreach from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff aimed at restarting peace talks.
Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, held discussions in Oslo with Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders before traveling to Saint-Petersburg to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both Ukraine and Russia indicated readiness to resume direct talks under U.S. mediation, with Moscow suggesting a date around November 10 and Kiev urging discussions as soon as possible.
Missiles Hit Energy Infrastructure Across Ukraine
Twenty-one ballistic missiles and more than 200 drones targeted several areas including the capital city of Kiev, damaging energy infrastructure and causing at least two deaths and 34 injuries according to the Ukrainian president. A separate Russian strike on the town of Lozova in the Kharkiv region also resulted in two deaths and 34 injuries, as reported by regional governor Oleg Synegoubov.
Almost immediately after a new series of talks, Russia has launched a targeted attack. This means there has been no real change in its attitude to everything that is happening.
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
Zelensky further accused Moscow of using three ballistic missiles equipped with cluster warheads against Kiev and stated that Russia is taking advantage of slowed deliveries of anti-aircraft systems from Ukraine’s allies.
Russia reported intercepting at least 808 Ukrainian drones over roughly twenty regions and annexed Crimea, resulting in several injuries.
Families Ordered to Evacuate Kramatorsk and Sloviansk
Authorities ordered mandatory evacuations for families with children across all remaining Ukrainian-controlled localities in the Donbass agglomerations of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. These two cities serve as the final significant strongholds for the Ukrainian army in the Donetsk region, which the Kremlin aims to capture entirely.
Remaining on site with children represents an unjustified risk.
Vadym Filachkine, Regional Governor
Filachkine noted that the security situation continues to deteriorate as Russian forces shell both urban centers daily.
Russian authorities transferred 252 new remains of presumed Ukrainian soldiers, while Kiev handed over 25 bodies to Russia. Official figures indicate Ukraine has received more than 5,300 bodies this year, whereas Russia has recovered fewer than 300.
Moscow Demands Final Accord Before Ceasefire
Kiev calls for an immediate halt to fighting at current positions as a preliminary step, whereas Moscow insists on reaching a comprehensive final agreement before any ceasefire. Putin emphasized that negotiations must target a final accord rather than a brief pause in combat.
Will Moscow and Kiev bridge their opposing demands for a ceasefire and direct talks under U.S. mediation?
