UKRAINE – These are the latest news on Russia and Ukraine today: As agreed at the second Russia-Ukraine truce talks in Istanbul, both nations have exchanged the bodies of the fallen, with Russia repatriating 1,212 remains to Ukraine, while Ukraine released 27.
The transfer was facilitated by the Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War on Wednesday.
Ukraine Must Accept Russia’s Terms for Peace; Vladimir Medinsky
Russian presidential aide, Vladimir Medinsky has said that Ukraine needs to shun being influenced by the west if it wants a lasting peace and should accept the terms provided by Moscow, warning that without compromise, Ukraine will end up losing more territory.
“We want peace. But if Ukraine keeps being driven by the national interests of others, then we will be simply forced to respond,” Vladimir Medinsky said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Medinsky, who spoke to the WSJ after the latest round of negotiations in Istanbul, cited the Great Northern War of 1700-1721 as evidence of Moscow’s success in protracted conflicts, saying: “With Russia, it’s impossible to fight a long war.”
The aide described the Russia-Ukraine war, which continues since 2022, “like a conflict between two brothers.”
“This is like a conflict between two brothers—one older and one younger—about who is smarter and more important,” he was quoted as saying. “This conflict sadly deepens our differences, and that’s why we want it to end as soon as possible.”
Medinsky led Moscow’s delegation in the latest two rounds of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2. In the second round, Moscow and Kyiv exchanged documents outlining their respective visions on a future peace deal.
Russia’s memorandum, according to Russian media, contains points including calling for the international recognition of Ukrainian regions it took under control, banning arms supplies to Ukraine, ending mobilization, elections, a neutral, non-allied status, and ensuring the full rights, freedoms and interests of Russian-speaking people.
Ukraine, which seeks EU integration and membership in the NATO defense alliance, has described the document as an “ultimatum.”
Overnight Russian Drone Attacks Kills 3
Ukraine said that overnight Russian drone attacks in Kharkiv led to the deaths of 3 and left over 60 injured.
“As of now, 64 people have been reported injured, including 9 children. Tragically, three people were killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement on X.
Arguing that further pressure must be imposed on Russia, Zelenskyy said the current pressure directed toward Moscow is “not enough” and that they must not be afraid of or postpone “new decisions that could make things more difficult for Russia.”
“Without this, they will not engage in genuine diplomacy. And this depends primarily on the United States and other world leaders. Everyone who has called for an end to the killings and for diplomacy must act,” he added.
Earlier, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Synyehubov said that two people had died and 60 others injured due to the attack, which he said targeted Kharkiv’s Slobidskyi and Osnovianskyi districts,
Claiming that 15 drones were launched by Russia on the city, Synyehubov said nine apartment buildings, as well as three private houses, 13 cars, and a factory, were also damaged in the attack.
Separately, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the attack took place between 00.31 to 00.40 am local time Wednesday (2131-2140GMT Tuesday), with emergency services and volunteers working to help alleviate the situation.
Ukraine’s Air Force later claimed on Telegram that its air defenses intercepted 49 of 85 drones launched by Russia overnight.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the Russian border, has been regularly targeted by airstrikes in the ongoing conflict.