Russia, Ukraine exchange strikes as US envoy leaves after talks

Russia launched multiple waves of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, including Kyiv, resulting in at least 7 confirmed fatalities and numerous injuries, hours after signaling readiness for peace talks. These strikes, some involving ballistic and cluster-tipped missiles, contradict diplomatic overtures and indicate a coercive bargaining tactic or internal divergence within Russian leadership. The sustained targeting of civilian infrastructure and urban centers underscores Russia's intent to maintain military pressure despite peace signals.