Russian forces aim to establish buffer zones along the Ukraine border, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. This announcement follows a third round of peace talks in Istanbul (date unspecified), which concluded without a ceasefire agreement. A brief meeting between delegations lasted only 40 minutes. While a prisoner exchange involving approximately 250 individuals on each side occurred on the Ukraine-Belarus border, key disagreements remain regarding a ceasefire and a proposed meeting between Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy.

Despite the prisoner exchange, which President Zelenskyy hailed as bringing over 1,000 Ukrainian prisoners home after multiple exchanges, both sides continued their attacks. Overnight, Russia launched 103 attack drones and four missiles, resulting in casualties in Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy reported three deaths in Kharkiv and injuries in Cherkasy, while Russian officials reported a fatality and injuries in Krasnodar due to falling drone debris. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's proposal for an immediate ceasefire.

Impact Statement: The ongoing conflict and lack of progress in peace talks continue to cause significant human suffering and displacement.