One day before the start of negotiations to achieve a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, Putin's Army has launched 145 drones, including kamikaze drones and replica drones, in various regions of the east, north, west, and center of the country. Ukrainian drones have also attacked the Russian border region of Belgorod, leaving at least 16 people injured, as confirmed by Russian authorities.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin, requested direct talks with Ukraine last Thursday, while describing the proposal issued over the weekend by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski and European allies for a 30-day ceasefire as an ultimatum.
Zelenski stated that he would attend the talks in the Turkish city of Istanbul if Putin is also present, and urged U.S. President, Donald Trump, who offered to join the meeting, to also attend.
EU Countries Approve New Sanctions Package Against Russia
EU countries approved a new sanctions package against Russia on Wednesday, the 17th one, targeting oil tankers from the so-called 'ghost fleet' used to circumvent existing restrictions due to the invasion of Ukraine, according to diplomatic sources, as reported by Afp.
These new measures are separate from the "massive" sanctions planned by the EU in case Russia refuses to negotiate and accept a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine demanded by Western allies of the country.
The sanctions approved on Wednesday had been under discussion for several weeks, focusing on nearly 200 ships used by Russia and around thirty entities accused of helping the Russian government evade previously imposed sanctions.
Zelenski Believes Putin Will Not Go to Turkey out of Fear, but Gives Him "a Small Chance"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski does not believe that Vladimir Putin will go to Turkey to meet with him because he "will be afraid," but he leaves "a small chance" for the Russian President to prove he is "brave." Zelenski considers that the presence of Donald Trump would be of great help, as reported by Efe.
In an interview with several international media outlets, including the French newspaper Libération, Zelenski explains the purpose of the meeting he wants to have on Thursday in Turkey with Putin, acknowledging that it is "impossible" for both to agree on everything at this point, but they can "find a format to end the war."
"There are unconditional things we need to agree on, and then technical groups will discuss for seven, ten, fifteen hours," he says, emphasizing that for progress to be made, there must be "an unconditional ceasefire."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Will Also Be in Turkey on Thursday
Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Yermak, will meet with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in Anatolia on Thursday, when Russia and Ukraine are expected to begin direct contacts to move towards a negotiated solution to the war, as reported by Efe.
As explained by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry in a statement, Yermak is traveling to Turkey as part of the diplomatic efforts to "coordinate diplomatic efforts" for peace.
Yermak will emphasize in Turkey the need for an immediate ceasefire of at least one month to give momentum to the negotiations, and will once again advocate to the Turkish side to increase pressure on Russia if the Kremlin continues to reject declaring this truce.
Ukrainian Defenses Shoot Down 80 Shahed Drones Launched by Russia
Ukrainian air defenses have shot down 80 kamikaze Shahed drones launched by Russia into various regions of eastern, northern, western, and central Ukraine since yesterday afternoon, as reported in Wednesday's briefing by the Ukrainian Air Force, according to Efe.
In total, Russian forces launched 145 drones, including shaheds and replica drones used to confuse Ukrainian defenses, against Ukrainian territory. 42 replica drones fell without causing damage.
From the figures provided by the Air Force, it is evident that 23 drones did reach their targets or caused damage upon impact.