Ukraine-Russia summit in Istanbul: Delegations prepare for second round of talks

Ukrainian and Russian delegations will meet in Istanbul on Monday for peace talks. However, these talks are taking place at a time when tensions between the two countries are escalating. Attacks carried out by Ukraine have sparked serious reactions in Russia.

In Ukraine, meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin's lack of interest in peace talks and his failure to announce official peace terms have weakened Ukraine's confidence in the negotiations.

ZELENSKYY CONFIRMS TALKS

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov would meet with the Russian delegation. The Russian delegation will be led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky. The first round of talks was held on May 16, and the largest prisoner exchange of the war took place as a result of those meetings. However, no concrete progress was made regarding peace or a ceasefire.

UKRAINE AWAITS DRAFT TEXT

Russian President Vladimir Putin had proposed direct negotiations in response to calls for a ceasefire from Europe. However, the Kremlin stated that it would only discuss a ceasefire after a comprehensive peace agreement. Ukraine, for its part, stated that it is waiting for the draft text that Moscow said it would prepare. Medinsky announced that Ukraine had sent its own draft agreement and that the Kremlin would respond to this document on Monday.

The document submitted by Ukraine includes demands that no restrictions be placed on its military capacity, that the sovereignty of Russian-occupied territories not be recognized, and that reparations be paid. In the talks, the current front line will serve as the starting point for territorial disputes. Russia currently controls approximately 20 percent of Ukrainian territory.

After three years of war, the parties have still not been able to reach a consensus. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his call for peace, stating that heavy sanctions could be imposed on Russia if Moscow delays.

News Source: 12punto