Putin Proposes Talks Amid Increased Attacks on Odesa
In a surprising shift, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated his openness to direct talks with Ukraine for the first time in years. Previously, he had insisted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must be replaced before any negotiations could begin. Speaking to Russian state television, Putin expressed a desire for peace, stating, "We have always talked about this, that we have a positive attitude towards any peace initiatives. We hope that representatives of the Kyiv regime will feel the same way."
However, this change in rhetoric came amidst an escalation of hostilities, as Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on the Black Sea port city of Odesa. Local officials reported that three individuals were injured and numerous apartment buildings sustained damage due to the overnight assault, with Odesa’s mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov confirming that the enemy targeted a residential area in a densely populated district.
Putin’s comments on potential negotiations coincided with plans for representatives from Ukraine, the UK, France, and the US to gather in London for discussions focused on a potential ceasefire agreement. President Zelenskyy, facing pressure from Washington to reach some form of arrangement or risk a loss of support, emphasized that the primary objective of the London talks is to achieve an unconditional ceasefire, describing it as the "starting point" for any resolution.
In a related development, the Ukrainian air force reported that during the aforementioned drone attack, Russia launched 54 drones. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 38 of these drones, while 16 did not reach their intended targets, likely hampered by electronic warfare countermeasures. In retaliation, Russian air defense units claimed to have destroyed 10 Ukrainian drones overnight, managing to down half of them over the Crimean Peninsula.
Additionally, troubling leaks suggest that the Trump administration is advocating for a peace deal that could heavily favor Russia. The proposed accord might include a pause to hostilities along the existing 1000km frontline, acknowledgment of Crimea as Russian territory, and a veto on Ukraine's NATO membership. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, seized by Russia in 2022, could be designated as part of a neutral zone in such a deal.
As the situation evolves, diplomatic efforts continue, juxtaposed starkly against the backdrop of ongoing military aggression.
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