Ukraine and Russia exchange deadly strikes after peace talks

Ukraine and Russia have both attacked targets on each other's territory on Thursday after brief direct talks between the two sides failed to make any progress on steps to end nearly three-and-a-half years of war.

Russia struck the Black Sea port city of Odesa, killing at least one and injuring several in an attack that damaged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed historic centre. 

Regional Governor Oleh Kiper said the famous Pryvoz market in Odesa was among the places hit. "It is not just a place of trade, it is the living heart of Odesa," he said.

In Kharkiv, two were killed and more than 30 injured by Russian bombs, while Sumy and Cherkasy regions also suffered drone and missile strikes.

Ukraine, in turn, continued targeting Russian energy and military facilities. In Sochi, falling drone debris killed one woman and injured another. A drone also hit an oil facility near the resort area, briefly halting flights at Sochi airport.

Meanwhile, peace efforts in Istanbul yielded no breakthroughs. Although both sides discussed prisoner swaps, they remain divided on ceasefire terms.

"Yesterday, at a meeting in Istanbul, the Russian side was again presented with a proposal to immediately and completely cease fire. In response, Russian drones are striking residential buildings," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

Zelenskyy said Russia had launched 103 drones and four missiles during its overnight attack, which deputy prime minister Oleskiy Kuleba said struck civilian infrastructure, including seaports, transport hubs, and residential areas.

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