A new round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia commenced in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday, just hours after both nations launched significant cross-border attacks. The high-stakes diplomatic efforts unfolded amidst escalating military actions, underscoring the deep divisions that persist despite calls for a peaceful resolution to the three-year conflict.
Tensions Escalate Before Talks
- Ukraine launched extensive drone attacks deep into Russian territory.
- Russia responded with its largest drone barrage since 2022.
Hours before the scheduled peace talks, Ukraine reportedly conducted a major drone operation targeting multiple Russian military airbases, including those in Siberia and the Arctic. Ukrainian officials claimed the strikes damaged or destroyed over 40 warplanes, including strategic bombers, in what was described as one of the most daring operations of the war. Simultaneously, Russia unleashed its largest drone attack on Ukraine since 2022, deploying 472 drones across various regions, alongside missile strikes that caused casualties and damage in cities like Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.
Second Round of Peace Discussions
- Delegations met in Istanbul for a brief, tense session.
- Turkey facilitated the talks, hoping for a presidential summit.
The second round of direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place in Istanbul’s Çırağan Palace. The meeting, chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, was marked by an unexplained two-hour delay and lasted barely an hour. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, while Vladimir Medinsky headed the Russian team. Turkey expressed hope for a future meeting between Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy, emphasizing the importance of international backing, particularly from the United States.
Divergent Paths to Peace
- Both sides agreed on further prisoner and body exchanges.
- Ukraine presented a "roadmap" for peace, including reparations and territorial integrity.
- Russia maintained a reserved stance on its negotiating positions.
Despite the brevity and high tensions, both sides agreed to further prisoner exchanges and the return of bodies of fallen soldiers. Ukraine presented a proposed "roadmap" for a permanent peaceful settlement, which included a 30-day complete ceasefire, the return of all prisoners and deported children, and a meeting between the two presidents. Key conditions in Ukraine’s proposal included no restrictions on its military strength, no international recognition of Russian sovereignty over occupied territories, and reparations. Russia, while acknowledging receipt of Ukraine’s memorandum, remained tight-lipped about its own proposals, stating it was "wrong to disclose its negotiating positions via the media."
Ongoing Conflict and International Appeals
- Fighting continued intensely along the front lines during the talks.
- International community urged progress, highlighting the global impact of the conflict.
Even as diplomatic efforts unfolded, fierce fighting persisted along the 1,000-kilometer front line, with both sides continuing to launch deep strikes into each other’s territory. The Institute for the Study of War suggested Russia might be attempting to delay negotiations to gain further battlefield advantages. International concerns over the war’s consequences, including trade tensions and rising oil prices, underscored the global urgency for a resolution, with calls for significant progress from the talks.
Sources
- New Russia-Ukraine talks in Turkey follow major cross-border attacks, Dailynewsegypt.
- Russia-Ukraine Talks Barely Last An Hour, Progress On PoWs, Dead Soldiers, NDTV.
- Russia, Ukraine hold peace talks in Turkey after drone attacks, meet lasts just over an hour, The Indian Express.
- Ukraine and Russia Meet in Turkey for Peace Talks After Launching Major Attacks, Military.com.
- Ukraine claims drone attack hit 40 Russian bombers as talks set to resume in Turkey, CBS News.
