Ukraine pushes fresh peace talks with Russia next week
New Round of Peace Talks Mulls Ukraine’s Zelensky After Russia’s Latest Strikes
Resurgent Conflict and the Push for Diplomacy
At least four people suffered fatal consequences and dozens of civilians endured injuries across the Ukrainian territory following a flurry of Russian air and ground attacks. The assault attributed to Russia’s distinctive strategy of long-range aerial incursions has widened the casualties to three on a single day of missile and drone strikes, marking a gravely chilling escalation.
Yesterday’s barrage forced casualties in the industrial heartland of the Dnipropetrovsk region, as Kharkiv’s strategic imperative has advanced into Ukrainian control. An earlier round of 20 drones, broadcasted by Russia to the maritime port of Odesa, further amplified its destructive footprint.
Zelensky Speaks of a “Leadership-Level” Face‑to‑Face Sit‑Down
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for an immediate convening with Russian President Vladimir Putin to kindle lasting peace.
- Zelensky is ready to “step up the momentum of the negotiations”, underscoring that a high‑level engagement may yield a definitive ceasefire.
- The Ukrainian spokesperson reiterated the “leadership‑level” necessity, proposing a face‑to‑face dialogue next week.
Hardline Russian Demands and Kyiv’s Dismissal
Last month’s Moscow‑Kyiv talks produced a list of demands classified as “hardline”, demanding Ukraine’s territorial concessions and the rejection of Western military assistance. Kyiv responded unequivocally that these demands were unacceptable and questioned the relevance of further negotiations if Moscow refused to concede.
US and NATO Support for Kyiv amid Russian Aerial Attacks
US President Donald Trump has pledged a supply of new military aid to Kyiv, sponsored by NATO allies. Despite the claim that the United States will supply the Ukrainian city, Russian strikes continue to fester in border cities, trampling the promise.
Ukraine Receives 1,000 Soldier Bodies While Russia Receives 19 from Kyiv
In accordance with the Istanbul agreements, Kyiv acquired 1,000 soldier bodies on Thursday; meanwhile Russian forces acquired 19 from Ukraine.
EU Applies the 18th Package of Sanctions on Moscow
The EU’s sanction package of 18th opposes the financial backing of the war plus mandates the reduction of a price cap on Russian oil exports, curbing its capacity to fund military aggression.
Russian Strikes Suspend Trains in Rostov Region
Russian aerial attacks forced a suspension of trains for four hours within the southern Rostov region. The Ukrainian drone attack inflicted one railway worker injury during the attack, which also caused significant delays in the traffic system.
More than 400 drones were reported launched over Russia’s air defence operations, which indicates an escalation that may lead to uncharted levels of policy ciphers.
