Russian Strikes Kill Seven in Ukraine After US Envoy’s Meeting With Putin
At least seven people have been killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine, authorities said on Thursday, October 22, following a meeting between US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg.
The overnight attacks came amid renewed diplomatic efforts by Washington to secure an agreement to end the war, which has continued despite repeated attempts at negotiations. Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged attacks, with casualties reported on the Ukrainian side, according to authorities.
The strikes followed Witkoff’s meeting with Putin on Wednesday, during which the two sides discussed possible ways to advance peace efforts. Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying the parties were potentially closer than ever to ending the conflict. However, the continued attacks underscored the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire.
Witkoff’s visit to Russia came a day after he held talks in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside European and NATO representatives. Discussions reportedly focused on elements of a possible peace framework, including security guarantees for Ukraine, post-war reconstruction and broader European security arrangements.
The diplomatic push is taking place amid concerns in Kyiv over the future of American military and intelligence support. Ukrainian officials have raised concerns about delays in military assistance and the need for stronger air defences to counter Russia’s missile and drone attacks.
Despite the renewed engagement, a comprehensive agreement remains uncertain. Russia has maintained demands concerning control of Ukrainian territory and Ukraine’s future relationship with NATO, while Kyiv continues to seek security guarantees and protection against further Russian aggression.
The latest deaths highlight the continuing human cost of the war and the difficulty of translating diplomatic contacts into an end to the fighting. With attacks continuing even as negotiations proceed, the prospects for a lasting settlement remain unclear.
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