A Russian drone attack on a passenger bus in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region resulted in the deaths of nine people and injuries to four others on Saturday. This incident happened shortly after Moscow and Kyiv’s first direct peace talks in years, which failed to establish a ceasefire. Ukrainian officials, including the regional administration, condemned the strike as a “war crime,” claiming it deliberately targeted civilian transport that posed no threat. The bus was hit in Bilopillia city, approximately six miles from the front line.
The peace talks, held in Turkey, aimed for a temporary ceasefire but concluded without significant progress after less than two hours. It was the first in-person dialogue since Russia’s February 2022 invasion. While both sides agreed on a significant prisoner exchange of 1,000 each, stark differences on conditions for halting hostilities persisted. Ukraine, supported by Western allies, emphasized the need for a ceasefire as a precursor to a peaceful resolution, but Russia opposed such a truce.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the urgency of firm sanctions against Russia if it continues its aggression. He discussed the talks with leaders from the U.S., France, Germany, the U.K., and Poland, advocating for “tough sanctions” should Moscow reject calls for a ceasefire. Additionally, both delegations addressed a potential meeting between their heads of state, with Ukraine proposing it and Russia considering the request. This set of negotiations reflects the ongoing complexities and challenges faced in resolving the conflict, emphasizing the humanitarian impacts of continued hostilities.
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