A Ukrainian drone strike in the Bryansk region of Russia has resulted in the death of a civilian, according to regional governor Alexander Bogomaz. This incident occurred on Saturday, following a missile strike in the Russian border city of Belgorod a day earlier, which killed two people and injured five, as reported by regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. These attacks come just days before a new round of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian envoys, set to take place next week in Geneva.
The upcoming discussions are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Dmytro Lytvyn, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has also acknowledged the renewed negotiations. This diplomatic effort coincides with the imminent fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2020.
As the talks approach, fighting continues along the extensive 1,200-kilometer front line. Russian forces persist in their bombardment of civilian areas in Ukraine, targeting both populated regions and critical infrastructure. Simultaneously, Ukraine has been conducting nearly daily long-range drone attacks aimed at military assets within Russia.
Despite previous US-led initiatives aimed at achieving consensus, including two rounds of talks held in Abu Dhabi, significant hurdles remain. Key issues that have not been resolved include the fate of Ukraine’s Donbas region, which is largely under Russian control. Last week, President Zelenskiy indicated that the United States has set a June deadline for both sides to reach an agreement. Past deadlines established by US President Donald Trump have come and gone without substantial progress, leaving many skeptical about current expectations.
The backdrop of continued violence underscores the challenges facing negotiators in Geneva. Both sides have demonstrated a commitment to their respective military strategies, complicating the prospect of a meaningful resolution. With the stakes high and the humanitarian toll mounting, the upcoming discussions will be closely scrutinized by the international community.
