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Russia launched ten drones at Ukraine overnight, but Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted and destroyed all of them, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. This attack came as Germany issued an ultimatum to Russia, warning of new sanctions if Moscow rejected a ceasefire by midnight. The deadline follows Moscow’s refusal to accept a 30-day truce initially proposed by the United States. As the diplomatic standoff intensifies, Ukraine continues to seek direct peace talks, while international pressure grows on Russia.

Drone Attack Repelled by Ukrainian Forces

In the early hours of Tuesday, Russian forces launched a wave of ten drones targeting Ukrainian territories. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that all the drones were intercepted and destroyed, marking another victory for Ukraine’s air defense systems. These kinds of drone strikes have become a regular tactic in the ongoing conflict, with both sides heavily reliant on aerial technology to target strategic sites.

This latest attack comes amidst rising international concerns over the potential for a larger escalation, with many European countries, including Germany, pushing for a ceasefire. Despite the interception of the drones, the overall situation remains tense, with little sign of a lasting peace agreement in sight.

Germany Issues Sanction Ultimatum

Germany has intensified its pressure on Russia, issuing a stark warning about new sanctions if Russia fails to accept a ceasefire proposal by midnight. The ultimatum followed Moscow’s refusal to commit to a 30-day truce suggested by the United States, which aimed to bring temporary relief to civilians and reduce fighting.

Stefan Kornelius, a spokesperson for the German government, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that time was running out for Russia to agree to the ceasefire. “We still have 12 hours until the day’s end,” Kornelius said on Monday, highlighting the tight timeline under which Berlin and its EU partners were working to implement potential penalties. Germany has coordinated with its European Union counterparts to ensure a unified response to Russia’s actions, but the outcome depends heavily on Moscow’s next move.

Kremlin’s Silence on Peace Talks

Amid the growing diplomatic pressure, the Kremlin remains silent regarding the peace talks proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy had extended an invitation for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey, scheduled for Thursday, but has yet to receive a response from Moscow.

In a post on social media platform X, Zelenskyy expressed his frustration with Russia’s lack of response, calling it “very strange.” He pointed out that despite ongoing shelling and assaults from Russian forces, Moscow had not given any indication that it would engage in meaningful discussions. Ukraine continues to await confirmation from Putin’s side, but so far, there has been no indication that the Russian president is willing to take part in the proposed Istanbul meeting.

Trump Endorses Ceasefire and Expresses Interest in Summit

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for an unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Trump, who has previously expressed interest in playing a role in brokering peace, welcomed the idea of attending the potential peace summit in Turkey, should it proceed.

Zelenskyy has also fully endorsed Trump’s call for a complete ceasefire, signaling a rare moment of agreement between the Ukrainian leader and the former U.S. president. Trump, who is currently planning a visit to Qatar and the UAE, indicated he might adjust his travel plans to attend the Istanbul summit if it moves forward. The former president’s potential involvement in the peace talks underscores the growing international interest in resolving the conflict and finding a diplomatic solution.

As the clock ticks down to Germany’s ceasefire deadline, all eyes remain on Russia’s response. Ukraine has made it clear that it expects a direct answer to its invitation for peace talks in Istanbul, but Moscow’s continued silence only deepens the uncertainty surrounding the future of the conflict. While international pressure mounts, it remains to be seen whether Russia will engage in the proposed dialogue or continue with its military operations.

With the situation still fluid and no clear path to peace, both Ukrainian and international officials are bracing for further developments. The next few days could prove critical in determining whether the ceasefire proposal will be accepted or if the conflict will continue to escalate.