TRANSCRIPT
Soldiers prepare a drone for surveillance on Ukraine's frontline.
Their unit has been fending off Russian attacks, even during three days of ceasefire that Moscow proposed.
Ukrainian drone commander 'Chepa' says Russian forces never stopped fighting.
"There were continuous attacks by howitzers, rocket launchers, they used it all. We have not experienced any ceasefire. We acted in accordance with it but there was no reaction from the Russians."
As the prospect of peace talks loom, his unit have some advice for their president: don't talk to Russia until their troops withdraw.
"Full withdrawal of all troops from the territory of Ukraine. Then we can talk. Whatever he, Putin, is thinking of, taking certain regions or dividing territories, nobody has given him the right to do it."
For the first time in years, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may have an opportunity to contend with his counterpart and adversary face-to-face.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct talks in Türkiye take place later this week.
That after European leaders backed Ukraine's demand for a 30-day ceasefire with threats of new sanctions.
But it's not clear whether President Putin intends to be there in person.
President Zelenskyy has insisted he come.
"I will be in Turkey this Thursday May 15th, and I am expecting Putin in Turkey - personally. I hope this time Putin will not look for reasons why he can't do something. We are ready to talk to end the war."
It will be a momentous meeting if Mr Putin attends.
Throughout more than three years of war, the leaders' contempt for each other has been on frequent display.
A Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, Maximilian Hess says the talks may be more about shaping the narrative than producing a ceasefire and lasting peace.
He says both leaders will be bearing in mind the impression they make on US President Donald Trump.
"Vladimir Putin has proposed these sort of direct talks as an attempt to try to get around Ukraine's demand for a 30-day ceasefire. He understands that there are historical tensions between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump. His strategy is really around trying to find ways to exacerbate this."
Earlier, Mr Trump had demanded the two men meet, saying he was beginning to doubt Ukraine would make a deal with Putin.
The threat of critical US military aid being withdrawn has loomed large over the conflict since Mr Trump's re-election.
The US and Ukraine recently signed an economic agreement focused on mineral reserves and rebuilding after the war.
Whether talks in Türkiye can bring that peace closer remains to be seen.
