U.S. envoy calls Miami talks with Ukraine constructive

In Short:
– A Russian drone strike in Zaporizhzhia killed two and injured six amid ongoing Ukrainian conflict.
– Ukrainian shelling in Belgorod region resulted in two deaths and additional casualties, according to local authorities.

A Russian drone attack in Zaporizhzhia killed two people and injured six others, including two children, amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a separate incident, Ukrainian shelling in Russia’s Belgorod region resulted in two fatalities and further casualties, according to local authorities.

Miami talks resume

The U.S.-Ukraine negotiations in Miami included representatives from both sides to discuss the stalled peace process. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner led the U.S. delegation, while the Ukrainian team was headed by Kyrylo Budanov and Davyd Arakhamia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted key objectives, including the resumption of trilateral talks involving Russia. Discussions also aimed to ensure NATO countries could continue purchasing U.S. weapons for Ukraine.

Witkoff described the talks as “constructive” and part of ongoing mediation efforts. Topics included narrowing down pending issues for a comprehensive peace agreement.

Discussions also centered around a proposed drone defense deal. Zelenskyy informed that Kyiv has deployed specialists to assist Middle Eastern nations with counter-drone measures.

Peace process delays

Originally, the Miami meeting was expected to include Russian negotiators, but the session was postponed due to escalating conflict in Iran. The U.S. has facilitated two rounds of previous talks, but no significant progress has been made on core issues.

Western officials have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of stalling negotiations while maintaining control over extensive territories in Ukraine. Current estimates suggest Russian forces occupy nearly 20% of the country.