Kyiv/Moscow: Amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow has once again proposed resuming direct peace negotiations, following previous unsuccessful talks hosted in Turkey. However, even as this diplomatic overture was being discussed, Russia launched one of its most intense attacks in recent weeks.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, more than 100 drones and five missiles were launched by Russia between Friday midnight and early Saturday. Ukrainian forces claimed to have intercepted and destroyed 42 drones. Despite these efforts, a 9-year-old child and another civilian were killed in the Zaporizhzhia region, and significant property damage was reported.
Ukrainian Presidential Adviser Andriy Yermak stated on Friday that Ukraine is willing to resume direct peace talks in Turkey as early as Monday. However, he added that Kyiv expects Russia to clarify its stance on ending the war and to submit a memorandum outlining its commitments as a precondition for talks. Yermak further noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump has been making active efforts to mediate an end to the conflict.
Sources confirmed that Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on May 19 that lasted over two hours. Following the conversation, Putin reportedly expressed readiness to work with Ukraine toward a potential peace agreement.
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Meanwhile, reports indicate that North Korea has continued its military support to Russia. After previously sending thousands of troops and arms, Pyongyang has now reportedly dispatched an additional 14,000 soldiers and 100 ballistic missiles to Russia.
Despite these developments, analysts say a concrete resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war remains uncertain, with both sides preparing for further escalation even as diplomatic efforts continue.