The latest wave of Russian attacks has had serious repercussions on Ukrainian infrastructure. This was confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a post on Telegram after a coordination meeting with the military and government representatives. “Unfortunately there is a lot of damage to energy networks and electricity transmission infrastructure,” he wrote. "We have updated the needs relating to energy equipment and air defense packages. The Foreign Ministry and the Presidential Office team are preparing the necessary communications with partners. I will discuss this with international leaders," he announced.
Two people died and four, including a child, were injured in a Ukrainian attack in Russia's Belgorod district overnight, the regional operations headquarters said. A couple was killed in Razumnoye when a bullet hit their house, authorities said. Russian raid in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region. Two minibuses were hit, leaving at least 33 dead and 18 injured. Some of the victims have not yet been identified due to the condition of their bodies. Buildings and cars damaged.
Alarm from US Secretary of State Rubio: "We are in a stalemate, the conflict may intensify and perhaps expand to involve other countries." Kiev negotiators expected in Miami to see Witkoff and Kushner on new US ideas. Great Britain, France, Germany, NATO and the EU were also invited.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with President Donald Trump yesterday to present the US proposal and receive input ahead of talks today and tomorrow in Miami with the Ukrainian delegation. This was reported by the Axios newspaper, according to which Washington also invited "the national security advisors of the United Kingdom, France and Germany, as well as NATO and EU officials" to the talks in Florida. Yesterday's meeting with Trump was also attended by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Deputy National Security Advisor Michael Austin Needham.
The goal of the talks in Miami is to present "new ideas and proposals" aimed at breaking the deadlock in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to Axios. The Trump administration hopes to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough before the midterm elections and before severe winter weather hits Ukraine. Among the ideas in the field is that of a partial ceasefire that would suspend attacks on energy infrastructure and grain shipments. Although Kiev has said it is willing to take this step, Russia has shown little willingness. "There is concern about the winter. It will be a difficult season if the war does not end. The United States is therefore trying to mediate between the parties with the aim of developing a unified proposal," said a US source. Witkoff and Kushner traveled to Moscow and Kiev in early September. Since then, they have worked with the Russians and Ukrainians on an updated peace initiative.
Yesterday, during a press conference in Lisbon, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the war is in a "stalled" phase. He stressed that the United States intends to prevent further escalation of fighting in the coming months and find a way to end the conflict.
In Miami, on the Ukrainian side, the head of cabinet of President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kyrylo Budanov, the director of foreign intelligence Rustem Umerov, the diplomatic advisor Serghei Kyslytsia and the parliamentarian Davyd Arakhamia will sit at the table. The United States, Axios reports, has also invited the national security advisers of the United Kingdom, France and Germany, as well as officials from NATO and the EU.
A US source said the sides will discuss proposals related to security guarantees for Ukraine, a post-war plan and other aspects of the conflict.
Zelensky yesterday said he is discussing the possibility of a truce regarding energy and wheat with the United States.
Witkoff and Kushner may travel to Moscow later this month for further talks with Putin, a source familiar with the matter told Axios.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is "deeply outraged" by the meeting in Moscow between Gerhahrd Schroeder and Vladimir Putin on the occasion of the Russian president's 74th birthday two days ago. This was reported by German government spokesman Steffen Meyer. "Putin is solely responsible for the war in Ukraine. His orders are the cause of the immeasurable suffering that occurs every day, the civilian victims, the destroyed families, the dead and the injured," he said. "In this context, the Federal Chancellor considers it simply immoral for Schroeder to celebrate with Putin on such a day."
According to the Kremlin version, Putin had invited his "old friend" after learning of his presence in Moscow. Schroeder, Social Democrat chancellor from 1998 to 2005, has long been at the center of controversy in Germany due to his closeness to the Russian president, maintained even after the invasion of Ukraine, and his links with the Russian energy giant Gazprom.
White House negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will reiterate, in the negotiations that will be held today and tomorrow in Miami with Ukrainians and Europeans, the proposal for a truce in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, raids on energy infrastructure and grain cargoes, but proposals will also be put forward for the security guarantees that Kiev needs, a prosperity plan for the post-Ukrainian war and other aspects of the conflict. Ukraine has already responded positively to the energy-cereal truce proposal while Russia has so far shown little willingness. The American negotiators - writes Axios citing Ukrainian sources - are however counting on Moscow's need for an easing of sanctions - which could therefore be included in the package. The Kiev delegation is led by Ukrainian Chief of Staff, Kyrylo Budanov and includes Director of Foreign Intelligence, Rustem Umerov, Diplomatic Advisor, Sergey Kyslytsia and MP Davyd Arakhamia. The national security advisers of Great Britain, France, Germany, as well as representatives of NATO and the European Union, will also participate in the talks.
"The Russian threat against European countries and the Atlantic Alliance is daily and tangible, as demonstrated by the recent arrest of Russian spies by Italian services. Great Britain and Europe recognize the leadership of the Italian government in supporting Ukraine: a courageous action that has strengthened Rome's reputation. There is obviously a desire to put an end to the conflict, but our position is clear: the best way to reach a truce is to continue to help Kiev." The British ambassador to Rome Stephen Hickey says this in an interview with the Press. "If we stopped - explains the diplomat - Putin would continue his offensive. Our intelligence collaborates well, but we must remain vigilant about the hostile use of AI and cyber threats". Hickey then goes on to talk about Trump's policy and tariffs, stating that "the United States remains the most important ally for the United Kingdom and a fundamental partner for Italy, both for security and for the economy. We must continue to work with Washington: President Meloni has made a great commitment in this direction and our Prime Ministers have also established solid relationships with Trump. It would be a mistake to turn our backs and try to build something from scratch: the right path is to strengthen cooperation to protect the international system based on rules, legality and human rights built over the last eighty years".
