**Russian Drone Attack Kills 9 in Ukraine**
A devastating attack by Russian drones on a civilian minibus in north-eastern Ukraine has left nine people dead and seven others injured. The incident occurred on Saturday morning as the bus traveled to Sumy, the regional capital near Russia’s border.
According to officials, the strike was carried out just hours after Russia and Ukraine held their first face-to-face talks in over three years. Despite some progress being made on a prisoner swap, little else was achieved during the discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky condemned the attack as “a deliberate killing of civilians,” while Russian state media claimed that forces had hit a “military staging area” in the Sumy province.
**A Family Among the Victims**
The bus attack has shocked the international community, with many calling for an immediate end to hostilities. President Zelensky revealed that a family – a mother, father, and their daughter – were among those killed in the attack. The incident highlights the devastating impact of war on civilians.
**Talks Fall Short**
Friday’s talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, Turkey, failed to bring about any significant breakthroughs. Despite agreeing on a prisoner swap, both sides remain far apart on how to end the conflict. Ukrainian officials reiterated their call for a full and unconditional ceasefire, but a deal with Russia remains elusive.
**US Weighs In**
The US has suggested that progress on ending the war would require direct talks between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. During a visit to the Middle East, Mr. Trump stated that nothing would happen until he and Mr. Putin got together.
**Escalating Conflict**
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to a protracted conflict with significant human suffering on both sides. Recent months have seen an intensification of cross-border artillery and air attacks, including drone strikes by Russia. The attack on the civilian minibus serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of war.
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