Russian strikes kill 2 in Ukraine after Moscow rejects German calls to de-escalate

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian strikes in Ukraine claimed at least two lives overnight into Sunday, officials reported, just hours after Moscow rejected German appeals to de-escalate tensions with NATO. The meeting between Russia's ambassador and his German counterpart at the United Nations General Assembly saw no improvement in relations, as the two nations remain at odds since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Russia's top diplomat dismissed the meeting, stating that the German Foreign Minister's official condemnation of Russia amounted to no more than a reiteration of his position. Meanwhile, Russian missile and drone attacks continue to target Ukrainian infrastructure and personnel, with recent strikes killing one person in Kyiv and injuring two in Odesa.