Ukraine recaptures village in Luhansk region

Ukraine's army has made a notable gain by recapturing a small village called Nadia in the eastern Luhansk region. This area has been largely under Russian control since the invasion in 2022. The military operation to regain the village lasted 30 hours, and Ukrainian forces managed to reclaim one square mile of territory. However, detailed information about casualties or the significance of this victory has not been released. In recent weeks, Ukraine has made minor advances along the eastern front, while the Russian offensive appears to be stalled. Experts believe the slowdown is due to poor weather conditions and the exhaustion of Russian troops. As both countries prepare for peace talks mediated by Donald Trump, they look to improve their negotiation positions. Today, Ukrainian and U.S. officials will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential partial ceasefire. This meeting, coming sooner than expected, will precede further discussions with Russian delegates scheduled for Monday. Recently, a series of talks have been held in Saudi Arabia, including negotiations where Ukraine tentatively accepted a proposal for a 30-day truce. On a separate note, a drone attack by Russia on Kyiv resulted in at least seven fatalities, including a five-year-old child. Ukrainian officials reported multiple explosions and significant destruction in the capital. The attack occurred amid the backdrop of ongoing discussions for a peace settlement. In another development, following a drone strike, an oil depot in southern Russia caught fire, leading to a spill of oil products. Russian officials have condemned the attack, asserting it violated an agreement to prevent strikes on energy infrastructure amid ceasefire discussions. In the broader context, U.S. officials are hoping for a ceasefire agreement by April 20, coinciding with Easter celebrations. However, substantial gaps remain between the demands of both sides. Russia seeks an end to military aid for Ukraine, while Ukraine insists on a phased approach starting with a ceasefire.