Russian Drone Kills 9 Civilians on Ukrainian Bus After Failed Peace Talks

A Russian drone strike targeted a civilian evacuation bus in Bilopillia, Sumy region, Ukraine, killing nine people and injuring several others. The attack occurred just hours after failed direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, which did not yield a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as a deliberate killing of civilians and called for stronger international sanctions and pressure on Russia. Local officials described the attack as a war crime and declared a mourning period in Bilopillia, while Russia claimed it targeted a military staging area and did not acknowledge civilian casualties. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation amid ongoing hostilities near the Russian border. Despite peace negotiations, fighting continues with Ukrainian forces making incremental advances near contested areas.