Ukraine Evacuates Civilians as Russia Advances Near Sumy; Peace Talks Uncertain

Fighting Intensifies Near Sumy as Ukraine Evacuates Civilians; Peace Talks Loom The conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with recent reports indicating a surge in fighting near the city of Sumy. NTV correspondent Nadija Kriewald, reporting from Odessa, described the situation as "tense," noting the advance of small Russian units, often on foot, backed by heavy artillery and drone strikes. "The Russians are moving in small units, mostly on foot, trying to advance," Kriewald reported. "This is accompanied by shelling with artillery and drones." The Ukrainian government is responding by evacuating residents from villages along the front lines. This measure is intended to protect civilians from the escalating violence and the destruction of their homes. Kriewald highlighted the devastation caused by the conflict, stating that many villages are "very battered, very broken." She noted that the situation is particularly concerning given the proximity of the fighting to Sumy, a major city with a pre-war population of 270,000. The report also touches on the upcoming peace talks scheduled for Istanbul. President Zelenskyy's decision to participate remains uncertain, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. Kriewald explains that the lack of a clear agenda from Russia contributes to the uncertainty. "Russia hasn't presented a memorandum yet," she stated, "so there's no agenda for tomorrow's talks in Istanbul." The outcome of these talks is crucial for determining the future trajectory of the conflict. Ukraine's demand for an unconditional ceasefire across all fronts remains a key sticking point. Despite the grim reality of the ongoing conflict, the continued efforts of the Ukrainian government to protect its citizens and the scheduled peace talks offer a glimmer of hope for a resolution.