The statement added that the aircraft are designed to destroy ground and air targets, and infrastructure facilities covered by air defense systems. Izvestia reported how on March 31, a Su-34 aircraft had bombed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of Russia's Kursk region.

President Trump’s envoy says the territories are key to resolving the war, but their status could in fact become a sticking point to any deal.

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Russia said that 246 Russian service members were returned from territory controlled by Kyiv, and that 31 wounded Ukrainian prisoners of war were transferred in exchange for 15 wounded Russian soldiers in need of urgent medical care.