On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow is moving towards ending the conflict in Ukraine. This comes as Russian forces continue their intense drone attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions for the fifth consecutive day.
Putin's statements were made during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, amidst international movements and communications concerning the possibility of reigniting negotiations to end the war.
Similarly, the Kremlin announced that Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the Ukrainian conflict during their meeting in Kyrgyzstan on Monday. However, it clarified that the issue was not the main topic of talks between the two leaders.
Putin's remarks coincided with the continued wave of Russian drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and its surrounding area, now on its fifth day.
Repeated alarms, sounding for long hours, have disrupted daily life for millions of residents amidst ongoing drone flights and nightly attacks.
Tymoshenko, governor of the Kyiv area, reported early Monday attacks resulting in four injuries and damage to warehouses, a residential building, and a store.
In recent days, Kyiv and its surroundings have seen waves of drones, many powered by jet engines, causing casualties and damaging homes, facilities, and warehouses.
A Russian drone attack on an ammunition depot on Friday led to a series of explosions that killed 38 people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of attempting to exhaust and demoralize the population through continuous air strikes.
Zelensky stated on Sunday that Russia launched approximately 1,500 drones at Ukraine over four days, with more than half of them powered by jet engines.
Strikes extended to the south, with Odessa's regional governor Oleh Kiper announcing that a Russian strike caused a fire within a facility operated by the postal service company 'Nova Poshta'.
This military escalation occurs as political signals indicating potential negotiation movements increase, placing Putin's statements about moving towards ending the conflict in direct contrast with a military reality experiencing one of the densest waves of Russian drone attacks in recent times.