Russia rules out peace talks as Ukraine claims advances

KIEV

Russia on Monday dismissed the possibility of peace talks with Ukraine, despite Kiev's claims of fresh advances in its offensive into Russian territory.

Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into Russia on Aug. 6, sending troops and tanks over the border two-and-half years after Russia's invasion began. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine now controls over 1,250 square kilometers (480 square miles) and 92 settlements, with new gains reported almost daily.

This offensive, the largest attack on Russian soil since World War II, has penetrated several kilometers into Russia's Kursk region, unsettling the country. Zelensky stated that Ukraine is achieving its objectives, which officials previously said include stretching Russian forces, creating a "buffer zone" in Russian territory, and seeking an end to the war on "fair" terms.

In a speech to ambassadors, Zelensky urged partner countries to allow the use of long-range weapons deep into Russia and to halt Russia's advance in eastern Ukraine. "Ukraine is separated from halting the advance of the Russian army on the front by only one decision we await from our partners: the decision on long-range capabilities," he said.

Zelensky confirmed that he had not informed allies in advance of the Kursk offensive, suggesting they would have opposed it. He called for a second round of peace talks this year, stating, "We must force Russia, with all our might and together with our partners, to make peace."

However, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov ruled out peace talks, calling them "completely inappropriate" given Ukraine's incursion. He said future negotiations would "depend on the situation on the battlefield, including in the Kursk region."

Meanwhile, Moscow claimed to have captured another village in the Donetsk region. Ukraine ordered the evacuation of families from the key city of Pokrovsk as Russian forces approached the logistics hub.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded Ukraine cede territory for a ceasefire, while Zelensky insists on Russia's full withdrawal from Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and reparations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to visit Ukraine on Friday, potentially to facilitate a settlement. Modi recently visited Moscow and has expressed a desire to end the conflict.

In the Kursk region, a third bridge over the Seym river inside Russia was reportedly hit over the weekend, potentially limiting Russian supply options. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak suggested that the proximity of the war might turn Russian sentiment against the Kremlin's actions.

The Russian defense ministry reported thwarting Ukrainian attacks on three more villages. In the Donetsk region, Moscow claimed to have captured the town of Artemovo (called Zalizne in Ukrainian). Attacks and counterattacks continue, with both sides reporting civilian casualties.

As the front moves closer to Pokrovsk, Ukrainian officials have announced the compulsory evacuation of families with children from the city, which is a key supply route for Ukrainian troops.