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Russia intensified attacks targeting Ukrainian officials shortly after a visit by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow, raising questions about the effectiveness of ongoing American diplomatic efforts to broker peace in the Ukraine war. The timing of the strikes has drawn criticism of US diplomacy in the region. The escalation follows a pattern of Russian strikes on Ukrainian targets even as international mediation efforts continue, underscoring the fragility of any diplomatic progress and the continued human cost of the conflict.