A wave of Russian missile attacks wounded at least 24 people in Ukraine on Monday, just before President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a potential breakthrough: the resumption of direct peace talks with Russia. The attacks targeted residential and civilian areas, exacerbating the humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict.

While Zelenskyy's statement about negotiations sparked international attention, the prevailing sentiment on the ground remains grim. After more than three years of war, civilians and analysts alike expressed skepticism about the prospects of meaningful progress, especially in light of ongoing hostilities.

The talks, expected to be brokered by international partners, are part of renewed diplomatic efforts to de-escalate a war that has led to thousands of deaths and displacement. The Kremlin has yet to issue an official response to Zelenskyy's latest proposal.

The timing of the missile strikes has raised concerns that Moscow may not be approaching the peace talks in good faith, casting a shadow over the upcoming dialogue.