Kiev, May 13 (LaPresse/AP) – Russia launched 10 Shahed drones and decoy drones against Ukraine in overnight attacks, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. This was the smallest-scale bombing since the beginning of the year and comes as both countries prepare for possible peace talks in Turkey.
The Kremlin has not directly responded to the challenge issued by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who urged Vladimir Putin to meet him in person at the negotiations in Istanbul on Thursday.
Russia has effectively rejected Ukraine’s proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, supported by Western European leaders, starting Monday. On that day, Moscow launched more than 100 drones into Ukraine.
President Putin has instead proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that a Russian delegation will travel to Istanbul without preconditions.