Russia and Ukraine clash before talks

Kiev [Ukraine], May 15: The Russian military yesterday announced further advances on the battlefield in Donetsk province, eastern Ukraine. Specifically, Moscow declared control of the settlement of Mirolyubovka, in addition to saying that Kyiv had lost more than 1,300 soldiers on all fronts on May 13-14, according to TASS.
The pro- Ukrainian military analysis site DeepState also reported that Moscow forces this week took control of more territory in Donetsk, especially around key cities such as Pokrovsk and Toretsk.
Meanwhile, the Kyiv military announced that Russia had attacked several regions in Ukraine early yesterday morning with Iskander-M/KN-23 missiles and 145 Shahed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Kyiv added that it had shot down 80 Russian UAVs and repelled 163 attacks, Ukrainska Pravda reported. Some Ukrainian intelligence officials revealed that Russia was gathering forces for a larger-scale attack and had sent more units to the hot spots of the fighting.
On the Russian side, TASS quoted security sources in Russia as saying that Ukrainian military units were building fortifications and establishing a defensive line in Ukraine's Sumy region, aiming to defend around the city of Yunakivka, an important infrastructure center in northern Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia did not comment on the statements from their opponents.
The fighting on the ground remains heated as the Russian and Ukrainian delegations are scheduled to hold direct talks today to resolve the conflict. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov on May 13 mentioned the contents that could be discussed when the two sides meet in Istanbul (Turkey), including aiming to reach a long-term peace agreement, but it must be based on the reality of the battlefield, when Russia is controlling some territories in Ukraine. Mr. Ryabkov affirmed that Moscow is ready for serious and responsible negotiations.
At a press conference yesterday afternoon, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not announce who would represent Moscow in the negotiations. Mr. Peskov only said that the Russian delegation would wait for the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul on May 15. The Ukrainian side has repeatedly asked Russia to accept a ceasefire agreement before peace negotiations. The Guardian reported yesterday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was preparing to visit Ankara (Turkey) and meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However, it is unclear whether Mr. Zelensky will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin today.
In a related development, Reuters reported that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced yesterday that the European Union (EU) has agreed on new sanctions against Russia.
This is the 17th package of sanctions imposed by the EU on Russia since Moscow launched its military campaign in early 2022. The new decree is expected to be adopted next week, according to which the EU will add nearly 200 oil tankers accused of violating EU regulations, 30 companies, 75 individuals and entities to the sanctions list. Previously, some EU leaders warned that sanctions would be tightened if Moscow did not agree to a ceasefire with Kyiv.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper