Russia Escalates Ukraine Attacks Amid First German-Russian Foreign Minister Talks Since 2022

Russia intensified strikes across Ukraine, killing at least eight people and targeting critical infrastructure in Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia as winter approaches. Amidst this escalation, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held the first talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov since 2022 at the UN General Assembly. This meeting signals a potential diplomatic avenue for de-escalation and discussions on Black Sea grain exports, despite ongoing conflict.