The Russian army is bombing Kharkiv with combat drones in a large-scale attack.

The Russian army launched a wide-scale attack using drones on the city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine early Friday, injuring at least 8 people, including teenagers, according to Ukrainian authorities. Military governor Oleh Sinyehubov stated on his Telegram account that the attack involved multiple drone strikes. The city's mayor, Ihor Terekhov, confirmed that the target was a "municipal institution," mentioning that a fire broke out at the headquarters of a large company without providing further details. These attacks come as the Russian army intensifies its strikes on major Ukrainian cities, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the conflict that erupted in February 2022. In the midst of escalating tensions, Ukraine announced yesterday its readiness to participate in new negotiations proposed by Russia to be held next week in Istanbul, emphasizing the need for a clear document outlining the conditions for a permanent peace. Turkey, through a presidential source, expressed anticipation for the arrival of Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul soon, hoping for progress in ceasefire talks. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova indicated that the composition of the Russian delegation for the upcoming round of talks in Istanbul will remain unchanged from the first round held on May 16, which did not lead to an agreement. Ukrainian Presidential Administration head Andriy Yermak affirmed his country's willingness to engage in constructive talks, demanding that Russia present a "memorandum" outlining its peace conditions before the scheduled meeting on Monday. This round of talks follows American pressure on both sides, amid accusations against Russian President Vladimir Putin of "playing with fire" by former U.S. President Donald Trump, sparking widespread controversy.