Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he is not prepared for negotiations with Russia unless Russian troops withdraw from the country, as Kyiv investigates a fatal attack on its soldiers.

The protracted frontlines between the two opposing forces have remained largely unchanged for nearly a year, despite Ukraine’s efforts to push back, with Russian forces firmly established in southern and eastern Ukraine.

Although officials from the United States and Europe, key allies of Kyiv, are believed to have suggested peace talks to end the 20-month-long conflict, Zelensky denied such reports.

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During an interview with NBC television, Zelensky emphasized, “The United States knows I am not ready to negotiate with the terrorists because their promises mean nothing.”

He was referring to Russia. He added, “They must withdraw from our territory, only then can diplomacy be pursued.”

Acknowledging that the war is in a “difficult situation,” the Ukrainian leader reiterated his need for increased air defenses to regain control of the skies from Russia.

Ukraine is currently investigating a tragic incident in which a Russian missile strike killed multiple Ukrainian soldiers during what was described as an “award ceremony” this week.

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The attack is reported to have claimed the lives of at least 20 troops, with local media stating that it occurred on Friday as a brigade gathered to receive awards in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region.

In response to the incident, Zelensky stated, “This is a tragedy that could have been avoided,” and announced that a criminal investigation has been initiated.

The circumstances surrounding the strike and the exact number of casualties could not be immediately confirmed by AFP.

On Saturday, the Ukrainian army confirmed that several soldiers from the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade had been killed in a missile strike the previous day, but no specific figures were provided.

Russia claimed in a defense ministry briefing on Saturday that it had inflicted a “fire defeat” on a Ukrainian assault unit in Zaporizhzhia, resulting in the deaths of up to 30 individuals.

A Ukrainian soldier stated on social media that 22 members of the brigade had been killed and criticized commanders for holding the ceremony, describing the deceased soldiers as “victims of military traditionalism in its worst form.”

Elsewhere on the front lines, Ukrainian cruise missiles damaged a ship docked at the annexed Crimean peninsula, according to Russia, a day after Ukraine claimed responsibility for the strike.

Kyiv has increased its attacks on the peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014 in an effort to weaken Russia’s Black Sea naval fleet, following its counteroffensive earlier this year.

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On Saturday, Ukraine launched 15 cruise missiles at the B.E. Butoma shipyard in the eastern coastal city of Kerch, with 13 of them being shot down by air defenses, according to Russia’s defense ministry.

The ministry stated that “a ship located at the plant was damaged” as a result of being struck by an enemy cruise missile, without specifying the extent of the damage or naming the vessel.

Debris from the downed missiles fell on a nearby dock, but no injuries were reported, according to Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-appointed governor of Crimea.

Ukrainian and Russian attacks in and around the Black Sea have intensified since Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal, which was designed to ensure safe passage for civilian ships.