Ukraine’s air force reported an overnight Russian attack involving more than 100 drones, as Russia’s President Vladimir Putin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal of an immediate 30-day ceasefire.
“The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine,” the Ukrainian air force said in a post on Telegram on Monday morning.
Putin had proposed the resumption of direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Turkey starting from Thursday. Zelensky then said that he and Putin should meet in Istanbul, and said he will be there. The Kremlin has not yet replied on a face-to-face meeting.
The two sides continue to exchange fire. Ukraine says it wants an unconditional ceasfire before talks. But Russia says a ceasefire is a condition in itself, and that Ukraine could use the pause to regroup and rearm.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who is brokering the Russia-Ukraine peace process, has expressed both frustration and optimism in recent weeks, believing a deal to be near, but just out of reach because the two sides are holding things up.
“President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH,” Trump posted to his Truth Social platform on Sunday.
“Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY. At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!
“I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”
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