US envoys in Kyiv, but Russian strikes persist across Ukraine: 8 killed, 69 injured

Ukrainian officials reported that Russian strikes killed eight people and injured 69 others in Ukraine over the previous day, according to The Kyiv Independent. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that Russia deployed 108 drones and six S8000 Banderol missiles, with Ukrainian defenses neutralizing 82 drones and hitting six missiles. The attacks targeted 11 locations, while debris from successful strikes fell at seven sites.

Meanwhile, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv on September 6 to engage in discussions with Ukrainian officials, following a three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow the previous day. The talks did not result in an immediate breakthrough, though a White House official noted that substantive plans for next steps would be announced in the coming weeks.

The temporary pause in aerial attacks against each other's capitals excluded broader ceasefires, including along the front line. Ukraine and Russia had previously agreed to a three-day truce beginning at midnight on September 5, but Russia declined to participate. Despite the cease in strikes on Kyiv, Russian forces continued attacking other parts of Ukraine.

In addition to the diplomatic efforts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness for a realistic and substantive discussion on ending the war and securing post-war guarantees during the US envoy visit. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine desired a peaceful resolution, while also seeking security assurances and a dignified peace settlement.