Ukraine-Russia war live: Putin launches retaliatory strikes just hours before Istanbul peace talks

The homegrown operation to hide drones in the false compartments of prefabricated sheds and unleash them simultaneously many thousands of miles apart, and many thousands of miles behind enemy lines, has clipped the wings of Vladimir Putin’s strategic air operations.

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Russian and Ukrainian negotiators will discuss their requirements for peace in their face-to-face meeting in Istanbul on Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

Fidan, hosting the second round of direct peace discussions between the sides since 2022, said as he opened the meeting that the dialogue can reduce differences between the sides and move them closer to peace.

The Russian and Ukrainian delegations faced each other at separate tables in the room at the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, with Fidan and other Turkish officials at a center table, Reuters footage showed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Europe and the US have “better weapons” and “stronger tactical solutions” than Russia.

He said his “spiderweb” operation is proof of this. Kyiv claimed the drone attack destroyed over 40 Russian warplanes.

“Russia must feel what its losses mean. That is what will push it toward diplomacy,” he said in a post on X.

Mr Zelensky also issued a warning about potential Russian aggression via Belarus this summer, urging allies to assess the threat and act in unity.

“Ask your intelligence – what is Russia planning this summer in Belarus? If they’re bold enough to prepare attacks from there, then we need more strength – together,” he said.

He added: “Right now, that means strengthening Ukraine – so we can stop this war and prevent it from spreading. That’s why weapons production matters.”

Speaking from Vilnius following a summit with the Bucharest Nine and Nordic countries, Mr Zelensky thanked European partners.

The peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have begun.

We will bring you the latest developments.