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Ukraine’s Foreign Minister has called for Russia to cease its assaults instead of issuing “hollow statements about peace.” This statement follows a recent missile strike in Sumy that resulted in numerous injuries.
Andrii Sybiha emphasized that any diplomatic engagement with Moscow needs to be supported by military strength, sanctions, and continuous pressure.
The missile strike, which Ukraine claims targeted civilian infrastructure, occurred amidst discussions between U.S. and Russian negotiators in Riyadh, focusing on a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
Key topics of the negotiations include the potential revival of a grain export agreement that had existed in 2022, which allowed Ukraine to send grain across the Black Sea without Russian interference. Moscow is reportedly seeking relief from Western sanctions in exchange for this arrangement, which would enable its fertiliser exports.
After withdrawing from the Black Sea grain deal in summer 2023, Russia halted the safe passage of cargo vessels to and from Ukraine.
A Ukrainian delegation also remains in Riyadh after meeting with American officials, describing their discussions as “productive and focused.” A representative from the Trump administration expressed optimism that both Ukrainian and Russian discussions could yield “real progress” towards resolving the conflict.
Despite these talks, hostilities between Russia and Ukraine persist along the extensive front lines. Ukrainian officials reported that the missile attack on Sumy resulted in injuries to 65 individuals, including 14 children, with strikes reportedly striking children’s facilities and a hospital.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal condemned the attack, highlighting that it illustrates Russia’s intent to continue its campaign of terror. He urged the international community to intensify pressure on Russia to cease its aggression and to safeguard Ukrainian lives.
Located near Russia’s Kursk region, Sumy has seen shifts in territorial control, with Ukrainian forces regaining parts of the area recently. However, there are reports that both nations have accused each other of violating a recent agreement aimed at establishing a 30-day ceasefire to prevent attacks on critical infrastructure.
Russia’s defense ministry claimed Ukraine conducted a drone strike against an oil pumping station in Krasnodar early Monday, stating they intercepted 227 Ukrainian drones overnight in several regions.
In another incident, a Russian air strike in Ukraine’s Kyiv region injured a local man. Since launching a full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russian forces have managed to control approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
The current negotiations, facilitated by the U.S., are part of a broader initiative championed by Trump to establish a wider ceasefire in Ukraine. Special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed hope that the ongoing talks would lead to tangible progress, as conveyed in a recent interview.
Following a meeting on Sunday with U.S. officials, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that the discussions were geared toward achieving “a just and lasting peace” for both Ukraine and Europe, noting that the talks had effectively covered crucial issues, including energy resources.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the challenging negotiations ahead, indicating that the talks are still in their early stages.
Source
www.bbc.com