A new round of direct peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations concluded in Turkey on Monday. The meeting, lasting just over an hour, was reported on by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian state media.
Istanbul: The second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine ended in Istanbul, Turkey. The main agenda items for this round of talks were prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of forcibly displaced children. Delegations from both sides met at the Çırağan Palace in Istanbul, where Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan chaired the negotiations. The talks aimed to reach an agreement on ceasefire conditions, but this round also failed to produce any concrete solutions on several key issues.
Ukraine's delegation was led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, while Russia was represented by Vladimir Medinsky, a close associate of Vladimir Putin. However, significant disagreements persisted between the two sides throughout the discussions. No agreement could be reached on a ceasefire, further fueling uncertainty surrounding the war.
Intense Fighting Continues
Fighting between Ukraine and Russia continued during the talks in Turkey. Offensive actions were undertaken by both sides along a roughly 1,000-kilometer front. Two ballistic missiles struck the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, with one landing near a school. This caused widespread panic among civilians. Local Ukrainian officials stated that this attack was a deliberate attempt to target innocent people.
Ukraine's Security Service claimed that over 40 Russian aircraft were destroyed in a drone attack on Sunday. Russia retaliated, claiming to have shot down 162 Ukrainian drones. This drone warfare has become a significant element of the military strategy for both sides, intensifying the conflict.
Signs of Growing Threat to Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin's position in this war appears to be gradually weakening. The ongoing drone attacks by Ukraine on military bases inside Russia are a growing concern for Putin. Locations previously considered highly secure are now vulnerable to Ukrainian attacks. This suggests that the longer the war continues, the greater the losses for Russia.
This is also a challenging time for Medinsky, Putin's close associate and negotiation representative, as he strives to implement the government's strategy effectively. However, internal weaknesses and mounting losses are increasing the difficulties he faces.
Failed American Diplomatic Efforts
The United States has made numerous attempts to encourage Russia and Ukraine to accept a ceasefire and end the war, but none have been successful. American efforts to resolve the conflict through political means have so far failed. Meanwhile, both Russia and Ukraine continue to bolster their military and strategic capabilities, demonstrating an intention to prolong the conflict.
The Istanbul talks clearly indicate that a path to peace remains distant. Deep disagreements persist between the two sides regarding a ceasefire. Russia continues its military operations, while Ukraine, with international support, remains firmly committed to its fight. Putin's difficulties are mounting, and he appears to be on the defensive.
