**Ukrainian Villages Evacuated Amid Escalating Russian Aggression**

Ukrainian officials have announced the evacuation of 11 additional villages in the northern Sumy region on Saturday, amid escalating Russian advances that have heightened fears of a potential fresh ground offensive by Moscow. Over 200 settlements in the region were already under evacuation orders as Russian forces pushed deeper into Ukrainian territory.

The intensified conflict saw Russia seizing two more villages in Sumy and killing two people during a missile and drone barrage on Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that approximately 50,000 Russian troops were amassed near the Sumy border, indicating preparation for a renewed offensive.

The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that it had taken control of the village of Novopil in the eastern Donetsk region, as well as Vodolahy in the Sumy region. Furthermore, the Russian military launched 109 drones and five missiles into Ukraine within a span of several hours, according to the Ukrainian air force. While many of these were intercepted, the attacks resulted in casualties, including the death of a nine-year-old girl in the Zaporizhzhia region and injuries to a 16-year-old. Ivan Fedorov, the governor of Zaporizhzhia, also reported that another man was killed in the port city of Kherson due to Russian shelling.

In a retaliatory move, Ukraine carried out drone attacks in western Russia, causing injuries to 14 people. Amidst these ongoing conflicts, the possibility of peace talks remains uncertain. Moscow has proposed direct talks in Istanbul next week but Kyiv insists that Russia must first provide a promised ceasefire proposal before agreeing to attend.

Ukrainian officials have expressed frustration at Russia's reluctance to share its position paper on ending the three-year conflict. President Zelenskyy accused Russia of "undermining diplomacy," stating that the Russians are concealing their document, which creates confusion about the peace process. Moscow, however, has promised to present its peace terms in person on Monday.

International pressure on both nations to negotiate a ceasefire has increased, especially following US President Donald Trump's prioritization of a ceasefire as a key foreign policy issue. While there have been minor diplomatic gains such as a significant prisoner swap between the two countries earlier this month, a lasting resolution remains elusive.

The European Union has accused Russia of stalling ceasefire talks to gain advantages on the battlefield – an accusation Moscow denies, claiming it is Ukraine that is delaying the ceasefire. Despite calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far declined to agree.

The ongoing invasion, which began in February 2022, has resulted in the death of tens of thousands and left Russia controlling about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.