The local junta reported that, following the first direct peace talks between Kiev and Moscow since 2022, nine people lost their lives due to Russian drone strikes targeting minibuses carrying civilians in Ukraine’s North Smie region.
According to the junta, the bus was attacked near Bilopilla while it was heading towards Sami, claiming it was aimed at “targeting Russians.”
The administration stated, “Unfortunately, he is dead as a result of a sarcastic attack by Russians on a bus with civilians.” Additionally, there were four reported injuries stemming from the incident.
This explosion occurred just hours after Russia and Ukraine engaged in in-person discussions in Istanbul, which yielded no significant breakthroughs.
While both parties did come to an agreement regarding a substantial prisoner exchange, there was no consensus on a ceasefire. Instead, they opted to discuss the potential for one.
In the aftermath, Kiev expressed a desire for an “unconditional ceasefire” to halt the ongoing conflict. However, Moscow has repeatedly dismissed these requests. The only tangible result appears to be an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners from each side.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later reiterated the call for imposing sanctions on Moscow if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire. He stated, “Our position is clear—if the Russians decline to implement a complete and unconditional ceasefire and continue the violence, stringent sanctions must remain in place.”
Zelenskyy emphasized the need to keep pressure on Russia until it is prepared to conclude the war.
Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, mentioned that the “next step” would involve a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy.
Moreover, discussions occurred between Moscow and Washington regarding the need for a meeting on the conflict involving Putin and US President Donald Trump.
