Zaporizhzhia/Istanbul – Russian forces launched deadly airstrikes across Ukraine overnight, killing five civilians and injuring six others just hours before the second round of peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv kicked off in Istanbul.
Officials in Ukraine reported that Russian shelling targeted areas outside the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, killing three women in the village of Ternuvate and a man in a neighboring district struck by a guided aerial bomb. A separate drone attack in the northeastern region of Sumy left at least six people wounded, including two children.
The escalation in attacks comes as Ukrainian and Russian delegations convene in Turkey for direct negotiations — the first since their initial meeting on May 16. That earlier round led to the largest prisoner exchange of the war but failed to produce any tangible steps toward a ceasefire or peace agreement.
Despite international pressure, including renewed calls for a ceasefire from former U.S. President Donald Trump and European allies, both sides remain deeply divided on key issues. Fighting has only intensified, casting doubt on the immediate prospects for diplomatic resolution.