Ivan Fedorov said Russian forces carried out two overnight strikes on the Zaporizhzhia district, destroying private homes. A 10-year-old boy and a 48-year-old man were among those injured, he said in a statement posted on Telegram.

The attack adds to a series of strikes on civilian infrastructure in southern Ukraine, where frontline regions continue to face sustained bombardment.

Local officials said residential properties were damaged in the latest assault, underscoring the ongoing risks to civilians.

No immediate comment was issued by Russia on the reported strikes.

The developments come ahead of a planned meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators in the United States on Saturday, according to Volodymyr Zelensky, as efforts continue to restart diplomatic engagement over the conflict.

Negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, supported by Washington, have faced delays in recent weeks. Ukrainian officials have said the talks were disrupted by the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has shifted international attention and diplomatic resources.

Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces remains ongoing, with periodic escalations reported across multiple regions. The latest strike highlights the continuing volatility on the ground even as diplomatic efforts seek to regain momentum.

China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Washington should “speak and act cautiously” on Taiwan and “correct their understanding of China,” responding to questions about the U.S. report during a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Lin reiterated Beijing’s position on Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory, and called on the United States to avoid actions or rhetoric that could escalate tensions. The Taiwan issue remains one of the most contentious points in U.S.-China relations, with Washington maintaining unofficial ties and providing defensive support to the self-ruled island.

The U.S. intelligence report, referenced in the exchange, assessed that China does not have plans to launch an invasion of Taiwan in the coming year, offering a near-term outlook that contrasts with broader concerns in Washington over Beijing’s long-term military intentions.

The remarks underscore ongoing friction between the world’s two largest economies over security perceptions and strategic competition. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned about China’s growing military capabilities and assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, while Beijing has accused Washington of exaggerating threats to justify its regional posture.

Lin said the United States should align its statements and actions more carefully on Taiwan, signaling Beijing’s continued sensitivity to external commentary on the matter.

China’s response reflects its consistent opposition to what it describes as the “China threat theory,” a narrative Beijing says mischaracterizes its intentions. Lin said the United States should align its statements with what China views as a more accurate understanding of its policies.

The exchange highlights the sensitivity surrounding Taiwan, which remains a central point of contention in relations between China and the United States, particularly in the context of security assessments and diplomatic signaling.

Public statements tied to intelligence findings often carry broader geopolitical implications, shaping perceptions among regional actors and influencing diplomatic engagement.

The latest comments underscore how both sides continue to manage competing narratives while maintaining firm positions on sovereignty and security concerns.