Turkey Hosts Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Istanbul talks will be a crucial test of whether Russia and Ukraine can find common ground to end the war, with Turkey playing a key role in facilitating the negotiations. The international community is watching closely, with the US and other countries urging a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that his country will send a delegation to Istanbul for direct peace talks with Russia, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, as the two sides seek to end the ongoing war. The talks come after a massive drone assault by Russia on Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of 12 Ukrainian soldiers and injuring over 60.
Despite the announcement of peace talks, Russia launched a massive drone assault on Ukraine, with 472 drones and seven missiles being fired. Ukraine also reported drone strikes deep in Russian territory, including in the Siberian region of Irkutsk. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have taken control of the village of Oleksiivka in Ukraine's northern Sumy region.
Turkish President Erdogan is urging both sides to continue dialogue, saying it's a "humanitarian duty" to end the war. Ukraine has submitted its own memorandum on a potential settlement, but Russia has yet to share its version. The two sides met in Istanbul on May 16, but the encounter failed to yield a breakthrough.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of not wanting to end the war, and has requested "preparation of the (Istanbul) meeting at the highest level" to establish a reliable and lasting peace. The talks may be designed to appease international pressure, with US President Donald Trump threatening to cut US aid if he concludes that Ukraine isn't cooperating.
As the peace talks are set to begin in Turkey on Monday, neither side gives reason for optimism, with Ukraine dismissing Russia's demands and Russia insisting on presenting its ceasefire proposal only once the two sides meet. The outcome of the talks remains uncertain, with the ongoing conflict showing no signs of easing.