**Russia Strikes Sumy, Injuring 28 Civilians**
A Russian missile strike on the northeastern city of Sumy injured 28 civilians, including four children. The attack targeted residential areas and infrastructure facilities, such as children’s hospitals.
Local official Artem Kobzar said that several high-rise buildings and a school were damaged in the strike. Governor Volodymyr Artiukh reported that rescue services are working on the scene to determine the full consequences of the attack.
**Russia’s War Effort Hits Snags**
Russian businesses have scaled back their recruitment efforts, with job openings falling 15% compared to last year. The Russian Defense Ministry blamed a technical malfunction for an accident, but details were not provided.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Deputy Commander Oles Malyarevych said that over 30 countries have expressed willingness to contribute to the coalition‘s peacekeeping force.
**Ukraine and US Discuss Ceasefire**
Romania and Bulgaria are concerned about a possible deal between the US and Russia that could restore Moscow’s influence in the Black Sea. Ukrainian officials reported progress in negotiations with the US, but said that issues remain unresolved.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has denied claims that it is considering participating in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. The meeting between Ukrainian and US delegations in Saudi Arabia was described as “constructive and beneficial” by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
**Russia Faces Challenges**
Firefighters continue to battle a fire at an oil depot near the village of Kavkazskaya, which was attacked by drones. Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 57 of 99 Russian drones launched overnight, including Shahed-type attack drones.
The US National Security Adviser said that the topic of Ukrainian children illegally abducted by Russia will likely be discussed at peace talks, and that they will serve as “confidence building measures” for negotiations.
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