KYIV: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted Sunday that a meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin remained “the most effective way forward” as the two sides exchange prisoners and the country celebrated Independence Day. Kyiv’s military chief said that Ukrainian troops had recaptured three villages in its Donetsk region that had fallen under Russian control. And Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russia, triggering a fire at a nuclear power plant.

'They don't want to end this war,' the Ukrainian leader said during an evening address on Thursday. Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled willingness to meet with Putin, but only after…

Volodymyr Zelensky urges Western allies to impose fresh sanctions on Moscow if it shows no interest in peace.