Russia, Ukraine Resume Heavy Attacks as if Ignoring U.S. Mediation; Explosions Rock Kyiv

[Financial News] Russia and Ukraine resumed heavy attacks targeting each other’s strongholds immediately after a U.S. special envoy delegation completed its trip, seemingly as if they had been waiting for the visit to end. The two sides halted attacks as promised during the three days the delegation of U.S. President Donald Trump traveled between the countries. But as soon as the envoys left, both sides began firing missiles and launching drones, raising the intensity of their offensives.
According to France’s Agence France-Presse (AFP) and CNN, explosions continued in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, early on the 8th (local time) following Russian airstrikes. Ukrainian authorities sounded air-raid sirens and ordered residents to evacuate, saying, "Russia is attacking with drones." Ballistic missiles were also used in the attack. Two residential buildings were damaged, and flames and smoke were reportedly seen rising.
Ukraine ultimately continued its retaliatory attacks. Authorities in Russia’s Saratov said on the 8th that Ukrainian drones had attacked civilian facilities in the area, injuring several people. The Saratov region is home to major industrial and military sites, including a large refinery operated by Rosneft, a Russian state-owned company.
The United States is seeking to increase the chances of resuming trilateral talks through this series of meetings. However, voices in both Russia and Ukraine say that only general statements have emerged so far.
[email protected] Hong Chae-wan Reporter