Ukraine-Russia talks overshadowed by child deportations and renewed strikes • FRANCE 24 English

Announcing a further round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine to be held on Wednesday in Istanbul, President Zalinski stopped short of celebrating. I discussed with Ruseme preparations for a prisoner exchange and another meeting in Turkey with the Russian side reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday, adding that the first agenda item for the Ukrainian side will be the return of quote abducted children. now living in Russia. According to Moscow, they were evacuated and relocated from a war zone for their own safety. While for Kiev and the United Nations, they were deported by force from their home country, a war crime. Ukrainian authorities have already secured some returns, but put the actual number of children taken over 19,000. But the spectre of pursuing negotiations did nothing to temper yet another overnight assault on eastern Ukrainian cities. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Russian drones and glide bombs came down on Sumi Odessa and Krammatsk. While as the war grinds on along the front line, Russia claimed to have taken control of another Ukrainian village. Russia is thought to have seized around 20% of Ukrainian territory and have been pushing for a settlement under which Kiev would relinquish all claim to these regions, including Crimea, which they annexed in 2014, as well as any future prospect of joining NATO. Ahead of talks, the Kremlin confirmed on Tuesday that their position is unchanged. We can’t expect any miraculous breakthroughs. That would hardly be possible in the current situation. We intend to pursue our interests. We intend to ensure our interests and fulfill the tasks that we set for ourselves from the very beginning. some of the nature. But Moscow is under some pressure as Donald Trump gave them a 50-day ultimatum last week to reach an agreement or face new sanctions.

As Ukraine and Russia prepare for new talks, Kyiv says its top priority is the return of over 19,000 children allegedly deported to Russian foster families—a move Ukraine and the UN call a war crime. Meanwhile, Russia continues overnight assaults on cities like Sumy and Odesa, and insists on keeping territories it currently occupies, including Crimea. The Kremlin maintains its hardline stance ahead of negotiations, despite Donald Trump issuing a 50-day ultimatum for a deal or fresh US sanctions.
#Ukraine #Russia #strikes

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