Scores of Ukrainians were injured in Russian strikes today in eastern Ukraine as representatives for Vladimir Putin told US negotiators they wanted an ‘end to the war’.
Missiles rained down in Sumy, Ukraine, wounding at least 74 people – including 14 children – as Vladimir Putin’s negotiators were discussing peace with Donald Trump’s representatives in Saudi Arabia.
Children in a shelter were targeted, according to Sumy regional governor Volodymyr Artiukh.
Initial reports said an industrial facility had been targeted but it was civilians – including dozens of children – who were in harm’s way.
It comes as late last night, Ukrainian missile strikes blew up four military helicopters worth £68 million in the Belgorod region of Russia.
Kyiv’s military intelligence agency GUR said two Mi-8 helicopters and a pair of Ka-52s were destroyed.
The four copters were sitting behind enemy lines when they were hit. Ka52s, called Alligators, are attack helicopters while Mi-8 helicopters are used for transporting troops or equipment.
The GUR said in a statement: ‘All helicopters were destroyed by missile strikes in the enemy’s rear.
‘The enemy had created a jumping-off point for aircraft – a camouflaged position for rapid movement of aircraft or for surprise attacks on the Security and Defence Forces of Ukraine.
‘The enemy once again thought that deep in the rear he was unattainable.
‘We once again proved that for the Special Operations Forces, there is nothing unattainable.’
The major attack took place as the Russian negotiating team was expected to meet with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia.
U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for a peace deal to end the 1,124-day conflict.
Negotiations are focusing now on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea to allow the free flow of shipping.
A deal struck in July 2022 allowed the safe export of nearly 33 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, but Putin withdrew from the agreement in 2023.
Talks could also open a path for Ukrainian children taken by Russia to be returned, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz told CBS ‘Face the Nation’ on Sunday.
They will also look at agreeing ‘the line of control’ between the two countries.
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White House national security adviser Mike Waltz told CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday described this as ‘verification measures, peacekeeping, freezing the lines where they are.’
The U.S. is being represented by officials Andrew Peek and Michael Anton, while Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda are there on behalf of Russia.
Last week Tuesday, Trump and Putin reportedly brokered a deal for Russia to stop striking crucial Ukrainian infrastructure for 30 days – which Putin promptly broke the next morning.
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