Russia unleashed a fierce drone assault on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, leaving at least three dead and 12 wounded. Moscow accused Kyiv of striking a Russian oil depot, prompting threats of harsh retaliation from the Russian Foreign Ministry – CNN report.

Spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned Saturday that continued “destructive actions” by Kyiv would meet equal force, asserting Moscow’s right to respond.

Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, in an interview with Tucker Carlson, claimed residents of occupied territories want to join Russia, but Kyiv refuses to accept this.

He cautioned that unresolved territorial disputes could delay peace efforts significantly. Witkoff also praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as “smart” and “straightforward,” revealing ongoing U.S.-Russia talks on Arctic fuel cooperation, AI research and gas supplies to Europe.

Tensions escalated as Moscow alleged Kyiv’s attack on its oil infrastructure violated ceasefire proposals.

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Zakharova called it provocation aimed at derailing peace initiatives. Witkoff, however, insisted territorial issues remain the core hurdle suggesting Kyiv’s stance blocks progress. Russia vowed to press forward with its response as the conflict intensifies.