Ukrainian President Commits to Sustained Drone Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asserted that drone strikes targeting Russian military assets will persist until Moscow ceases its offensive operations against Ukraine. Speaking after peace talks mediated by the United States in Istanbul, Zelenskyy described recent drone attacks as strategic efforts that have significantly degraded Russia's military capabilities.
Highlights from the Istanbul Peace Talks
The peace discussions, held at Istanbul's Çırağan Palace, marked the first direct dialogue between Ukrainian and Russian delegations since May 2022. Although brief, lasting just over an hour, the talks yielded an agreement to exchange severely wounded and ill prisoners of war, along with the repatriation of bodies of fallen soldiers. Additionally, the possibility of a direct meeting between President Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin was discussed.
Ukrainian Ceasefire Proposal and Russian Response
Ukraine has proposed a 30-day ceasefire intended to pave the way for broader peace negotiations. Despite this, Russia has rejected the ceasefire call, with President Putin reaffirming his original war objectives declared at the outset of the conflict.
Zelenskyy's Remarks on Military Actions and International Support
Detailing the drone operations, Zelenskyy emphasized that attacks targeting critical Russian military infrastructure occur regularly. He noted that the offensive continues unabated on a daily basis, including recent assaults involving more than 480 drones in a single overnight operation.
In terms of international diplomacy, Zelenskyy called for stronger measures from global leaders, particularly urging decisive actions to uphold sanctions against Russia and to compel an end to hostilities or at least initiate a ceasefire phase.
Key Points:
- Drone strikes: Ongoing strategic attacks aimed at Russian military targets, including bomber fleets.
- Peace talks: First direct Ukrainian-Russian negotiations since May 2022 conducted in Istanbul.
- Prisoner exchange: Agreement reached to swap severely wounded and ill prisoners and recover fallen soldiers' bodies.
- Ceasefire proposal: Ukraine calls for a 30-day pause, which Russia has declined.
- International role: Zelenskyy urges global leaders to enforce sanctions and support peaceful resolutions.
