US envoys push Ukraine peace talks as Kyiv strikes Russian oil refineries

Ukrainian drones struck three Russian oil refineries on Monday, following weekend visits by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv aimed at resuming peace talks in the four-year war. The strikes hit plants in Russia’s Perm region, Tatarstan, and Ryazan, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The attacks came after Zelensky met with Kushner and Witkoff on Sunday, with the Americans claiming progress toward peace. Witkoff said both sides agreed to a three-day cease-fire before the visit and that substantive talks included scheduling trilateral discussions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned the strikes create upward pressure on global oil prices. The envoys were forced to take a 10-hour train ride after Russian strikes on Kyiv’s airports, which Zelensky called a reaction to American diplomacy. Witkoff noted delegations from the UK, Germany, and France joined talks in Kyiv, while Zelensky emphasized discussions on air defense needs ahead of winter.