Russia’s Putin meets US envoys to discuss Trump proposal to end Ukraine war

Russian attacks overnight killed at least three people in Ukraine, including two police officers in Dnipro and one in Odesa, with several others injured. This comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that U.S. envoys are expected in Kyiv in the coming days for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war. Preliminary dates have been set for high-level negotiations in both Moscow and Kyiv, with Ukraine expressing readiness for substantive talks. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russian oil depots in Sochi and Sirius, while a Russian drone hit Ukraine's security service headquarters. Separately, a Russian-made drone was found on a Finnish shoreline, prompting an investigation.

Russia attacked Kamianske in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, killing five and injuring five. This occurred as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were visiting Moscow and were scheduled to travel to Kyiv with a proposal to end the war. Ukraine's armed forces were reportedly ordered to observe a three-day ceasefire, but Russian attacks continued overnight, including strikes on airports in Kyiv and Boryspil. Other regions, including Odesa and Mykolaiv, also reported injuries from Russian attacks. The article notes a recent increase in civilian deaths due to Russia's use of jet-powered drones and mentions Russia's claim of intercepting numerous Ukrainian drones.

Overnight Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and the surrounding region resulted in at least 12 deaths and 20 injuries, including two children. Six of the casualties were railway workers whose depot was hit in Kyiv. Russian officials stated the strikes targeted Ukraine's military and energy facilities, while also reporting one death in Ukrainian strikes on Russia's Belgorod region. This follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plea to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, made at a security summit. The attacks in Kyiv led to eight fatalities and fires in three city districts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow to discuss a proposal from former US President Trump to end the war in Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire, refraining from striking each other's capitals during the negotiations. Putin expressed his gratitude to Trump and stated Russia would ensure the safety of the mediators. While reports from the Kremlin suggest some optimism regarding progress, Putin maintains he remains open to peace talks but will not make concessions on key issues, citing Ukraine's drone operations and refusing to negotiate with "terrorists." The US envoys are expected to travel to Kyiv on Sunday.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow to attempt to revive a deal to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They were met by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev and were expected to meet President Vladimir Putin. Both sides agreed to halt airstrikes for the visit, with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy announcing a pause on Kyiv's airstrikes and the Kremlin stating Putin ordered a 72-hour pause on strikes on Kyiv. The visit follows Trump suggesting a new proposal to end the war. Witkoff and Kushner were also expected to visit Kyiv on Sunday, marking their first trip to the Ukrainian capital. Significant differences remain between Russia and Ukraine regarding peace terms.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner are visiting Moscow and Kyiv this weekend to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. President Trump announced the initiative, stating he sent the two "great negotiators" with "an idea for peace." Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed the visit, noting that Ukraine is preparing for substantive talks and will ensure the safety of the airspace during the American delegation's presence. Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire on airstrikes against negotiation-involved cities through Monday, expecting Russia to reciprocate regarding Kyiv. The visit follows recent escalations, including a Russian drone strike on Ukraine's security service headquarters and accusations of a Russian drone attack on a German airport.

Missouri has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the use of new congressional districts, backed by President Donald Trump, in the upcoming midterm elections. This appeal follows a decision by the Missouri Supreme Court, which blocked the new map and ordered a statewide vote on its approval. The new districts were drawn to benefit Republicans, potentially securing an additional House seat. Opponents gathered over 300,000 signatures for a referendum, which the state's highest court ruled effectively suspended the new districts pending voter approval. The state argues that the Missouri Supreme Court's order to revert to previous districts for the general election after they were used in the primary creates unprecedented chaos and uncertainty for the election. Justice Brett Kavanaugh has requested responses to the appeal by Monday, with a Tuesday deadline for ballot changes.

The Missouri Supreme Court has blocked congressional maps that were supported by former President Donald Trump. This decision represents a setback for Republicans in a broader redistricting conflict. The article also mentions that Russian state news agency TASS reported two US envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are seeking to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, would visit both countries on Saturday and Sunday. The Kremlin has declined to comment on this potential visit. Witkoff and Kushner previously met with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in January.

The Missouri Supreme Court has unanimously blocked new congressional maps, backed by Donald Trump and passed by the Republican-led legislature, from being used in the upcoming November election. The court ordered a statewide vote on whether to approve or reject the new map, stating that the legislation will not take effect unless voters uphold it. This decision marks a setback for Republicans who hoped the new districts would help them gain an additional House seat. The court ruled that a referendum petition was valid for congressional redistricting, overturning the Republican Secretary of State's earlier rejection. The previous congressional map remains in effect for the 2026 general election.