Ukraine: Talks Amid Attacks

- President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to hold peace talks with Russia in Azerbaijan, and both sides are signalling limited openness to negotiations despite deep disagreements over terms. - Meanwhile Russian forces launched 660 drones and missiles at Kyiv in a deadly assault, and Ukraine alleges Russia staged “peace protests” in Cyprus to undermine a €90 billion EU support package. - The mix of tentative diplomacy and intense attacks shows battlefield pressure is still being used to shape bargaining power, complicating short‑term ceasefire prospects and EU support decisions. (independent.co.uk) (united24media.com).