Russia Demands Ukraine Troop Withdrawal for Ceasefire, Reports Reuters

Drone Attack and Civilian Casualties

• ⚠️ A Russian drone attack in Ukraine's Sunumi region killed at least nine bus passengers, described by President Zelenskyy as a "deliberate killing of civilians."
• 🎥 Footage released by Ukraine's state emergency service showed rescue workers dismantling a bus to reach victims trapped inside.

Diplomatic Standoff and Ceasefire Conditions

• 🕊️ A meeting between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Turkey failed to broker a temporary ceasefire.
• 🗣️ According to a Ukrainian official, Russia demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from all Russian-claimed Ukrainian regions as a precondition for a ceasefire.
• 🏛️ The Kremlin declined to comment on the specific terms put forward by Russia.

Calls for Stronger Sanctions

• ⚖️ President Zelenskyy urged for stronger sanctions against Moscow following the drone attack.
• 💬 He stated that without tougher pressure, Russia would not engage in real diplomacy.

Prisoner Exchange Agreement

• 🤝 The only concrete outcome from the Istanbul talks was an agreement for a prisoner exchange, involving 1,000 people from each side.