War and conversations

• The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a new phase, marked by intensified military attacks and direct negotiations.

• Ukraine carried out a daring drone attack on military airfields, resulting in the destruction of strategic bombers.

• Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that five of its airfields were attacked, and aircraft at two stations in Siberia “caught fire.”

• The attack boosts morale for Ukraine’s troops and a tactical setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

• Despite the intensifying military exchanges, Russia and Ukraine proceeded with planned direct talks in Istanbul, agreeing to a prisoner exchange deal and scheduling a third round of talks in June.

• Ukraine is staging innovative drone attacks to offset its vulnerabilities and make the Kremlin feel the pain of the war.

• Russia’s spring offensive is gaining momentum, while Ukraine grapples with weakened air defences, an acute manpower crisis, and uncertainty about continued U.S. support.

• If Russia has battlefield momentum, Ukraine will remain defiant, and if the war continues to drag on, the toll on both sides will deepen.