Two people were killed after Russian drones attacked a border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova, as Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange long-range attacks despite renewed efforts to end the war.
The Starokozache crossing, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) south of kyiv, was closed after the overnight attack. Images from the scene showed several burned cars, with rubble and debris scattered around the border post.
Three other people were injured in the attack, including a Moldovan driver, according to Ukrainian and Moldovan officials. Odessa regional governor Oleg Kiper said the border connection had been closed due to damage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for greater international support and said it was necessary to stop the aggression before it spread further. He also blamed Russia for starting the war and said Moscow was responsible for the conflict.
The attack has also highlighted growing concerns in neighboring Moldova, which has been increasingly affected by the war. Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said 17 drones had attacked Moldovan territory in August alone, more than in the entire previous year.
Meanwhile, Ukraine carried out a drone strike in the southern Russian city of Novorossiysk, killing four people, including a child, according to regional governor Veniamin Kondratiev.
Russian authorities said 29 people were wounded in what Kondratiev described as a massive overnight attack. Residential buildings, a church and a preschool were among the locations reported to have been damaged.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces had shot down 596 Ukrainian drones overnight.
The attacks came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump about efforts to end the war. The Trump administration has been pushing for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, and kyiv said they could take place this month.
However, the Kremlin has said it is too early to discuss a date or location for such talks.
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