Ukrainian authorities have ordered the evacuation of 11 villages in the Sumy region, which borders Russia, due to rising concerns over a potential renewed ground assault from Russian forces. This decision was made amidst reports that Russia has captured several settlements in the northeastern region and has amassed over 50,000 soldiers near the border, as per information from Kyiv.
The evacuations come just days ahead of what could be a significant meeting between Ukraine and Russia scheduled in Istanbul, where the U.S. has urged both parties to bring an end to the ongoing conflict that has persisted for three years. While Russia has confirmed its participation in the upcoming talks, Ukraine remains hesitant, insisting that substantial discussions cannot progress without Russia outlining its peace terms beforehand.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of attempting to undermine potential negotiations by not providing clarity on its peace proposals. The evacuation in Sumy covers an area within approximately 30 kilometers from the Russian border, reflecting the ongoing threat to civilian lives posed by shelling in border communities.
Andriy Demchenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s border service, mentioned that Russian forces appear ready to launch an assault on the Sumy region. In total, authorities have ordered the evacuation of 213 settlements in light of the precarious situation. The Russian defense ministry claims its forces have taken control of a village named Vodolagy within the Sumy region.
Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, the war has led to substantial casualties and significant destruction across various regions of Ukraine. The Kremlin currently asserts control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including areas it has annexed, like Crimea in 2014.
In a grim turn of events, recent Russian attacks across Ukraine have resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals, including a nine-year-old girl.
Previous diplomatic efforts led by international figures, such as U.S. President Donald Trump, have yet to yield major concessions from Russia. The upcoming negotiations in Istanbul are seen as pivotal, especially following an earlier round of talks in May which only resulted in a large prisoner exchange.
While Russia plans to submit its peace memorandum during the Istanbul meeting, Kyiv fears it may contain demands they find unacceptable, such as territorial concessions and abandonment of NATO aspirations.
Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, has recently called for the West to stop supplying arms to Ukraine and for Kyiv to halt its mobilization efforts during any ceasefire—further indicating the potential content of Russia’s proposal.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been actively mediating between the two nations, encouraging both sides to ensure strong representation in the negotiations. He has also extended invitations for a summit involving key leaders, though the Kremlin has declined to participate.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, President Putin has continuously dismissed calls for a temporary, unconditional ceasefire.
