Ukraine Drone Attacks Injure 16 in Russia's Belgorod Region

A series of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's Belgorod region injured at least 16 people, including a doctor and a paramedic, with eight hospitalized, according to the regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. The Russian Defense Ministry reported destroying 12 drones launched overnight by Ukraine, three over Belgorod, though the total number launched was not disclosed and independent verification was lacking. Ukraine has not commented on the attacks, and both sides deny targeting civilians in the ongoing conflict sparked by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The attacks coincided with diplomatic developments, as Russian President Vladimir Putin called for direct talks with Ukraine, dismissing Ukraine's and European allies' proposal for a 30-day ceasefire as an ultimatum. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to attend the talks in Istanbul if Putin participates and invited U.S. President Donald Trump to join the meeting. The situation remains tense with ongoing military and diplomatic maneuvers amid the conflict.