Russia and Ukraine launched drone attacks on each other early Tuesday, just hours after officials from both sides concluded their third round of face-to-face negotiations.
The Kremlin confirmed that the Russian delegation arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, on 23/7 for the third round of peace talks with Ukraine this year, after a break of more than seven weeks.
Russian special forces have infiltrated the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk and ambushed Ukrainian defenders, suggesting a potential weakening of Ukraine's defensive lines.
Germany's defense minister has stated the country's willingness to provide Ukraine with two additional Patriot missile systems, but only if they can be promptly replaced.
Russia has recently deployed large numbers of UAVs to attack a smaller number of Ukrainian cities, instead of spreading them out as before, to overwhelm enemy air defenses.
Facing a severe troop shortage, Ukraine's intensified recruitment efforts, including drafting individuals with mental health conditions, pose risks to its military.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky announced a third round of negotiations with the Russian delegation, following two previous unsuccessful attempts to reach a ceasefire.
The UAV factory in the Alabuga special economic zone produces an average of 3,000 Geran-2 suicide drones each month, enabling Russia to sustain attacks on Ukraine.
