Russia seizes more Ukrainian territory amid fears of fresh ground offensive

Ukraine has issued evacuation orders for 11 more villages in the northern Sumy region, as Russian forces advanced, capturing two villages and killing civilians in missile and drone strikes. Ukrainian officials fear Russia is preparing a major new offensive, with 50,000 troops massed near Sumy. Russia also claimed control of villages in Donetsk and Sumy, while launching 109 drones and 5 missiles overnight. Amid the escalating violence, peace talks remain uncertain, with Ukraine demanding Russia present its ceasefire proposal before talks in Istanbul, The Guardian has reported. Meanwhile, both countries face international pressure for a ceasefire.