The Russia-Ukraine conflict has seen a surge in drone attacks and ground offensives, despite ongoing peace talks. Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners on Saturday, with Russia’s defense ministry claiming its forces struck military targets across Ukraine. However, the situation on the ground remains dire, with both sides engaging in tit-for-tat drone attacks.
Russia deployed 60 drones across multiple regions in Ukraine, injuring 10 people, while Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 43 of them. In response, Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed its huge aerial assaults were a “response” to escalating Ukrainian drone attacks on its civilians, accusing Kyiv of trying to “disrupt” peace efforts. “Kyiv, with the support of some European countries, has taken a series of provocative steps to thwart negotiations initiated by Russia,” the ministry said.
The conflict has also seen Russia seizing more territory, with Russian troops capturing four villages in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region. Oleh Hryhorov, the local governor, confirmed the villages of Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka, and Zhuravka were now under Russian control. “The enemy is continuing attempts to advance with the aim of setting up a so-called ‘buffer zone’,” he wrote on Facebook.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov blamed European leaders for the lack of diplomatic progress, taking aim at German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “This shows what sort of people have come to power in key European countries,” Lavrov said, referencing Merz’s comments on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons for strikes deep inside Russia.
Despite the escalating violence, Russia claims it is working on a serious draft agreement to end hostilities. “This is a serious draft, a draft of a serious document that demands careful checks and preparation,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. However, Moscow has accused Ukraine of escalating attacks to derail the negotiations.
Key Developments:
- Drone Attacks: Russia deployed 60 drones across multiple regions in Ukraine, injuring 10 people.
- Territorial Gains: Russian troops captured four villages in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region.
- Peace Talks: Russia claims it is working on a serious draft agreement to end hostilities, but Moscow accuses Ukraine of escalating attacks to derail the negotiations.
- International Response: US President Donald Trump condemned Putin after deadly Russian strikes on Ukraine, saying Putin had “gone absolutely CRAZY” and threatening new sanctions.