Negotiation Amidst Escalation: Ukraine and Russia Continue Peace Talks

On the eve of pivotal peace discussions, Ukraine and Russia intensified their conflict, staging one of the conflict's largest drone battles to date. A Russian highway bridge was destroyed during an attack on a passenger train, alongside an ambitious assault on nuclear-capable bombers stationed deep in Siberia.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed Ukraine's participation in the upcoming second round of peace talks in Istanbul, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. These talks, initiated by President Vladimir Putin, previously resulted in the largest prisoner swap of the conflict but failed to bring consensus on ending hostilities.

In parallel with ongoing peace discourse, warfare prevails. Recent attacks resulted in casualties and damage on both sides, with Russia advancing deeper into Ukrainian territory while Ukraine targeted a strategic military base in Siberia. Despite calls for peace from U.S. President Trump, which include potential sanctions if delays persist, underlying tensions challenge strides towards a resolution.

(With inputs from agencies.)