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Ukraine has ordered the evacuation of 11 more villages near its northeastern border on Saturday, following escalating fears of a renewed ground assault by Russia. The region's heightened state of alert comes as Moscow claims it has captured several villages in Sumy and amassed more than 50,000 troops just across the border.

The recent evacuations are part of a broader effort that has seen 213 settlements in the Sumy region ordered to evacuate due to the "constant threat to civilian life from shelling," according to statements from the local administration. Ukrainian border guard spokesperson Andriy Demchenko noted the looming threat of a Russian attack on the area.

This escalation comes just two days before a possible meeting between the two nations in Istanbul, an attempt strongly encouraged by Washington to bring an end to the three-year war. While Russia has confirmed it will send a delegation to the talks, Kyiv has yet to accept the proposal, citing the necessity of receiving Moscow's peace terms in advance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of attempting to sabotage the potential meeting by withholding its peace terms. Meanwhile, the Kremlin's forces have continued their advances, with Russia’s defense ministry reporting the capture of Vodolagy in the Sumy region.

Since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and widespread destruction. Russia now controls about one-fifth of Ukraine and claims to have annexed five regions, including Crimea, which it seized in 2014.

Efforts for peace have seen mixed signals. U.S. President Donald Trump has taken the lead in diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting, yet both Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of not genuinely seeking peace.

Although Russia has proposed further negotiations in Istanbul, Kyiv remains skeptical, particularly over what it fears may be unrealistic demands from Moscow, such as ceding territory and giving up NATO ambitions. The Kremlin has indicated it will present its peace memorandum in person, but Ukraine is wary of the possible terms.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as a crucial mediator, advocating for strong delegations from both countries to ensure productive peace talks. However, a proposed summit involving Putin, Zelensky, and Trump was declined by the Kremlin.

Despite various diplomatic efforts, Russia continues to resist calls for a 30-day, unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict and the recent moves in the Sumy region indicate that the situation remains volatile, with civilians bearing the brunt of the escalating tensions.