Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed today that he will send a delegation to Istanbul for direct negotiations with Russia, which are scheduled to take place on Monday.
In a statement on his Telegram channel, Zelensky said that the Ukrainian delegation will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
"We are doing everything to protect our independence, our state and our people," Zelensky added.
Ukrainian officials had earlier called on the Kremlin to deliver a promised memorandum outlining its position on ending the war before the meeting. Moscow had previously said it would release the memorandum during the talks.
They claim that Russia launched the most drones today since the start of the war
Russia launched the largest number of drones into Ukraine today since the start of the invasion three years ago, the Ukrainian Air Force said.
They specified that 472 drones and seven missiles were launched.
12 Ukrainian soldiers killed in Russian attack on military training center
At least 12 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and more than 60 were injured in a Russian missile attack on a Ukrainian military training center, the Ukrainian Ground Forces said in a statement today.
They say that an investigative commission has been formed to determine the circumstances of the attack.
Ukrainian forces are short of manpower and extra precautions are being taken to avoid mass gatherings, as the skies above the front line are full of Russian drones, media reported.
"If it is determined that the actions or inactions of officials led to the death or injury of soldiers, those responsible will be severely punished," the statement said.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced today that it has taken control of the village of Oleksiyevka in northern Ukraine's Sumy region.
Ukrainian authorities in Sumy ordered mandatory evacuations in 11 more settlements yesterday, and Russian forces are constantly advancing in the area.
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