Ukraine has reported that Russia launched over 100 drones overnight despite attempts by Kyiv’s allies to initiate a 30-day ceasefire and the prospect of direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv in Turkey this week. Ukrainian air defenses destroyed 55 of the 108 drones fired by Russia since Sunday night, with several drones being lost mid-flight. One person was injured, and residential buildings in the southern Odesa region were damaged, along with railway infrastructure in the east.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia, with the possibility of U.S. President Donald Trump participating in discussions in Turkey on Thursday. Zelenskyy said he hoped Russian President Vladimir Putin would not avoid the meeting. However, he criticized Moscow for its silence regarding the proposal for direct talks, calling it “very strange.”
Earlier on Monday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of ignoring a proposed ceasefire that was to begin on Monday, emphasizing that Moscow continues to escalate the conflict rather than seek peace. The ceasefire proposal, which was backed by Ukraine and European powers, has not been accepted by Russia, despite calls for an unconditional truce from leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the UK.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin is serious about peace talks, but no further details were provided about the proposed talks in Istanbul. Putin’s offer for direct negotiations was not aligned with the European call for an immediate ceasefire. He also expressed criticism of the “ultimatums” and “anti-Russian rhetoric” that have accompanied the peace talks.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged both Russia and Ukraine to implement a ceasefire before the planned talks in Istanbul. Zelenskyy, while willing to meet Putin, insisted that a ceasefire must first be in place. He did not specify whether he would attend if Russia refused the truce.
Former U.S. President Trump, in a social media post, suggested that Ukraine should agree to Putin’s proposal for direct talks “immediately,” but European leaders have expressed skepticism. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Putin’s offer could be a tactic to “buy time.” Germany’s government said new sanctions against Russia could be imposed if Moscow does not agree to the ceasefire by the end of the day.
The European Union is preparing additional sanctions targeting individuals and entities that continue to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, signaling the ongoing strain in international relations.
