Ukrainian Defense Ministry

A Ukrainian soldier walks past at a city centre in Sudzha, Kursk region, Russia, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. This image was approved by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry before publication.(AP photo)

The Kremlin on Monday ruled out entering peace talks with Ukraine over Kiev's surprise offensive into Russian territory, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said was meeting its goals.

The first delivery of allied F-16 fighter jets has arrived in Ukraine, marking a significant boost to the country's ability to counter Russian attacks, Bloomberg reported, citing anonymous sources familiar with the situation. The deadline for transferring these US military aircraft was set for the end of July, and it has been met.

Here are the highlights of events related to the war in Ukraine over the past 24 hours:

Heavy fighting in Sievierodonetsk and Kharkiv

Ukrainian forces are suffering heavy losses in the fighting against Russian troops in both the city of Sievierodonetsk and the Kharkiv region, Reuters reported, citing a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Turkish and Ukrainian officials gathered in Ukraine's capital to address ways to enhance strategic cooperation in the defense industry.

The seventh edition of Turkey-Ukraine Defense Industry Cooperation meeting was held in Kiev, where steps to be taken for armament and military equipments were discussed, according to a statement from Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Jan. 24.

NATO's large international based military command "Rapid-Trident-2017" started at the Yavorov polygon in the West Bank's Lviv region. There is the International Center for Peacekeeping and Security at the National Academy of Land Forces, TASS reported, citing a statement from the Defense Ministry in Kiev.

Two Turkish warships have dropped anchor at the port in the Ukrainian city Odessa on April 3 for a stay of two days. 

The two frigates - the TCG Salih Reis (F-246), which is a Barbaros-class frigate, and the TCG Bart?n (F-504), which is a B-class corvette - have anchored in Odessa within the concept of partnership between the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and the Turkish General Staff. 

Kiev accused of moving artillery in violation of ceasefire

LUGANSK -- Ukrainian forces have been accused of violating the Minsk agreement by sending 200 pieces of artillery during the night to the Stanica-Luganskaya area.

The announcement was made on Friday by the authorities of the self-proclaimed People's Republic of Lugansk (LNR).

Seven Ukrainian soldiers killed in 24 hours

DONETSK -- Seven Ukrainian soldiers died in the fighting in eastern Ukraine during the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry has announced.

24 others have been injured, the AFP agency said.

Tram stop in Donetsk comes under fire

DONETSK -- A number of people died on Thursday morning in Donetsk when a tram stop was shelled, while dozens more were injured.

The Russian media initially reported that the number of victims was 13, revising it to 9 later in the day.

Kiev authorities have announced large-caliber artillery is to be drawn away from the country's Donbass region starting after December 26, Friday.

This will serve the purpose of setting up a 30-km safety zone, according to Russian news agency TASS, which cites the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's press office.