The Kremlin finds it difficult for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, before the end of August, within the 50-day deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump, for Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace agreement. No progress was made in yesterday's meeting in Istanbul, but there was progress for a prisoner exchange with over three years in captivity, especially severely wounded or younger individuals.
The Russian Army launched a new "massive" attack last night on Odesa, with over a hundred drones and four missiles, followed by a direct attack on the city of Kharkiv with glide bombs. Dozens of injuries, including children, have been reported in Kharkiv, while in Odesa, damages were inflicted on civilian infrastructure and residential areas, including a market. Additionally, another Russian attack on the city of Cherkasy, in central Ukraine, left at least six people injured.
Meanwhile, Russian forces are striving to establish "security zones" along the Ukraine border, following Russia's military plan in Ukraine.
On the other hand, a woman died in Sochi after a Ukrainian drone attack, where 42 drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian anti-aircraft forces.
An Indian company sent to Russia in December a "high-power explosive compound" for military use, known as HMX or octogen, worth 1.4 million dollars, according to Indian customs data seen by Reuters. The explosive manufacturer Promsintez is listed as the receiving company of the compound.
Zelensky seems to backtrack on his new anti-corruption law by promising to maintain the independence of the two agencies and stating that protests throughout Ukraine "had not been in vain."