A man in Kyiv has been arrested for coordinating missile and drone strikes on the capital and for arson at Ukrainian Railways facilities. Originally from Kharkiv, he was recruited by a Russian intelligence service via a Telegram channel. Following orders from Russian intelligence, he moved to Kyiv, rented an apartment overlooking a local thermal power station, and set up cameras to monitor energy facilities and Ukrainian air defense positions.
In a separate development, Kyiv has opted not to sign the Istanbul agreements with Russia, citing concerns over their potential impact on Ukraine's military capabilities. Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland revealed that the U.S. deemed one of the agreement's conditions—limiting Ukraine's military strength without similar restrictions on Russia—unfavorable for Kyiv. This decision followed consultations with Washington, where Ukrainian officials initially believed the deal could be a viable compromise.
The negotiations took place in early 2022, shortly after the onset of the Russian military operation. The proposed agreements included stipulations for Ukraine to maintain neutrality and limit its military size, which ultimately led to the breakdown of discussions. Both sides accused each other of failing to reach an accord, with the conflict continuing unabated.