Two people have been killed after Russian drones struck 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 500km (310 miles) south of Kyiv, was closed following the overnight attack. Images from the scene showed several cars burned out, with debris and wreckage scattered across the border post.
Three other people were injured in the attack, including a Moldovan driver, according to Ukrainian and Moldovan officials. Odesa regional governor Oleg Kiper said the border connection had been shut because of the damage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for greater international support, saying the aggression needed to be stopped before it spread further. He also blamed Russia for starting the war and said Moscow bore responsibility for the conflict.
The attack has also highlighted growing concerns in neighbouring Moldova, which has increasingly been affected by the war. Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said 17 drones had struck Moldovan territory in August alone, more than during the whole of the previous year.
Meanwhile, Ukraine carried out a drone attack on the southern Russian city of Novorossiysk, where four people were killed, including a child, according to regional governor Veniamin Kondratiev.
Russian authorities said 29 people were injured in what Mr Kondratiev described as a massive overnight attack. Residential buildings, a church and a preschool were among the places reported to have been damaged.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces had shot down 596 Ukrainian drones overnight.
The strikes came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump about efforts to end the war. The Trump administration has been pushing for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, with Kyiv saying they could take place this month.
However, the Kremlin has said it is too early to discuss a date or location for such talks.