On Wednesday, Russia and Ukraine are set to engage in new peace talks. This follows two previously held rounds in Istanbul that yielded minimal progress in resolving the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared this update in his daily address.
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“Today, I had a discussion with [Ukrainian Security Council chief] Rustem Umerov regarding the preparations for the exchange and another meeting with the Russian side in Turkey. Umerov confirmed that the meeting is scheduled for Wednesday,” Zelensky stated.
He promised to provide more details in the coming days.
A senior Ukrainian official, who spoke to AFP on the condition of anonymity, indicated that the talks are likely to take place in Istanbul and will focus on further prisoner exchanges, alongside the potential for a direct meeting between President Zelensky and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
Thus far, the negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian representatives have primarily centered on agreeing to hold prisoner exchanges. Meanwhile, Russia has launched intensified aerial assaults on Ukraine and has gained control over additional frontline territories.
The Kremlin has demanded that Ukraine cede four regions, in addition to Crimea, which Russia annexed back in 2014. It also insists that Ukraine abandon any aspirations of joining the NATO military alliance.
Ukraine has dismissed these demands and expressed skepticism regarding Russia’s commitment to a ceasefire. Following former President Trump’s recent statements granting Russia 50 days to negotiate or face stringent sanctions, the Kremlin announced its willingness to re-engage in talks.
While both sides exchanged ideas on possible peace agreements during earlier discussions, significant disparities remain. “A lot of diplomatic work lies ahead,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked, reflecting on the challenging road to a potential resolution.
In the meantime, recent developments have seen at least one casualty in Kyiv, where Russia executed an overnight air assault involving 426 drones and 24 missiles, according to local officials. The Ukrainian air force confirmed that 224 drones and missiles were either intercepted or jammed, although 203 drones disappeared from radar, likely due to electronic warfare.
Tragically, city officials reported that one person lost their life amid the chaos, with numerous fires ignited across Kyiv. Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that rescuers and medical personnel were responding to emergencies in four districts of the capital. Damage was reported to a subway station, commercial properties, houses, and even a preschool.
For many Kyiv residents, the night was once again fraught with tension as they sought shelter in underground stations. Explosions reverberated throughout the city as air defense units worked to counter the attack.
Meanwhile, in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, Governor Oleh Synehubov reported multiple explosions, though there were no immediate details available regarding the extent of the damage.
On the flip side, Ukrainian drone strikes wreaked havoc at Moscow’s major airports, with numerous passengers faced with canceled or delayed flights. Reports from Russian media showcased scenes of individuals sleeping on the floors of Sheremetyevo Airport, highlighting the extent of the disruption.
The Russian defense ministry asserted that it had downed 117 drones overnight, including 30 in the Moscow region, following a previous successful engagement with 172 drones. Additionally, Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, briefly imposed flight restrictions at Moscow’s key airports, leading to thousands of stranded passengers.
With a population exceeding 21.5 million in Moscow and its surrounding areas, the impact of these disruptions is widespread, underscoring the evolving complexities of the situation.
“A path to peace is never straightforward, but we must remain hopeful and committed to dialogue,” Zelensky echoed, illustrating a sentiment that resonates through these challenging times.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
