Six Killed in Russian Strike as Ukrainian Delegation Heads to US for Peace Talks
KYIV,Ukraine – A Russian attack on Saturday killed six people and injured at least 35 others in Ukraine,as a high-level Ukrainian delegation traveled to the United States to discuss potential pathways to end the ongoing conflict. The delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, is expected to meet with US officials in Florida, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US special envoy Steve witkoff, and jared Kushner, former President trump’s son-in-law.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced umerov’s trip on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The task is clear: to swiftly and substantively work out the steps needed to end the war.” Zelenskyy added that Ukraine “continues to work with the United States in the most constructive way possible, and we expect that the results of the meetings in Geneva will now be hammered out in the United States.” The move comes amid a corruption probe involving Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.
Separately, Ukraine’s SBU security service claimed responsibility for a joint operation with the Ukrainian navy targeting two tankers in the Black Sea used by Russia to circumvent Western sanctions and export oil. A Turkish official reported blasts rocked the vessels near the bosphorus Strait on Friday,triggering rescue operations.
According to an SBU official speaking on condition of anonymity, the targeted tankers – identified as the Kairos and Virat – were empty and en route to Novorossiysk, a key Russian oil terminal. “Video [footage] shows that after being hit, both tankers sustained critical damage and were effectively taken out of service.This will deal a meaningful blow to Russian oil transportation,” the official stated.
Ukraine has repeatedly urged international partners to strengthen measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet,” alleging it facilitates the export of oil that funds the war effort despite existing sanctions.
