Russia Launches Major Drone Assault on Ukraine Following Failed Peace Talks
Russia intensified its drone assault on Ukraine, marking its largest attack since the war began, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure.
Overview
Following recently failed peace talks in Istanbul, Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and surrounding regions with 273 drones, killing at least one woman and injuring others. This attack follows a drone strike on a civilian minibus in Bilopillia that killed nine, which President Zelenskyy condemned as a 'deliberate killing of civilians.' The latest strikes reveal Russia's continued military aggression despite discussions of a possible ceasefire and a prisoner swap agreement during the talks held between negotiators from both nations.
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Analysis
- A Russian drone attack in Bilopillia killed nine people and injured several others, just hours after the first peace talks in years failed to yield a ceasefire.
- Ukraine's President Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a deliberate killing of civilians and reiterated the call for an unconditional ceasefire to save lives.
- Despite the tragedy, the talks ended with an agreement for a significant prisoner swap, but key issues remain unresolved; both sides remain far apart on terms for a ceasefire.
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Associated Press·2M·FAQ
The peace talks in Istanbul were the first direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since March 2022. Despite no breakthrough on a ceasefire, both sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war. The talks were facilitated by Donald Trump's team, but Russia's demands for Ukraine to cede control of certain territories remained unresolved.
Russia claimed that its forces had struck a 'military staging area' in the Sumy region, but did not directly comment on the civilian bus strike.
Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy and the national police, condemned the attack as a 'cynical war crime' and an inhumane act that targeted civilians.
The attack resulted in nine fatalities and four injuries. Medics and rescuers were urgently sent to the scene.
International leaders condemned the aggression, urging sustained pressure on Moscow to curb its military actions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged allies to keep up pressure on Russia for a meaningful peace deal.
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