Sat May 31 17:44:46 UTC 2025: ## India’s Perspective: Ukraine Evacuates Villages as Peace Talks Loom

**Kyiv, May 31, 2025 (The Hindu)** – As seen from India, the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate with Ukraine ordering the evacuation of 11 villages in its Sumy region bordering Russia, fearing a renewed ground assault. This action comes as potential peace talks in Istanbul are on the horizon, with the United States urging both nations to end the three-year war.

Russia claims to have captured several villages in the northeast and has reportedly amassed over 50,000 troops near the border. Ukrainian authorities cited the constant threat of shelling to civilian life as the reason for the evacuations, affecting 213 settlements in total. Russia’s Defence Ministry also announced the capture of Vodolagy, a village in the Sumy region.

While Russia has confirmed its participation in the Istanbul talks scheduled for Monday, Kyiv remains hesitant, demanding Moscow first provide its peace terms. President Zelenskyy has accused Moscow of deliberately sabotaging potential progress by withholding these terms.

Previous talks on May 16th resulted only in a large prisoner exchange. Ukraine suspects Russia’s peace memorandum will contain unacceptable demands, including territorial concessions and the abandonment of NATO aspirations. Russia’s UN ambassador hinted the memorandum might also call for a halt to Western arms supplies and an end to Ukrainian military mobilization.

Turkish President Erdogan is actively mediating, urging both sides to send strong delegations to Istanbul. Turkey has also offered to host a summit between Putin, Zelenskyy, and Trump, an offer so far declined by the Kremlin, with Putin consistently rejecting calls for a ceasefire.

The conflict, initiated in February 2022, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. Russia currently controls approximately one-fifth of Ukraine and claims to have annexed five Ukrainian regions, including Crimea.

The situation is being closely watched in India, with potential implications for global geopolitics and the international order. (This article incorporates information from Reuters.)

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