As Russia and Ukraine prepare for a second round of peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, tensions on the ground continue to escalate, casting a shadow over the negotiations.
High-Stakes Negotiations
The talks are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. local time at the Ciragan Palace, according to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has updated his delegation, expanding it to 14 members, including figures from the military, human rights, and legal sectors. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will lead the team.
“A future summit between national leaders is essential,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing the need for direct dialogue to resolve key issues.
On the Russian side, the delegation remains unchanged, led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky. Russia brings a draft memorandum and additional proposals aimed at achieving a ceasefire. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that this round would enable discussions on the draft peace agreement, including topics like navigation safety in the Black Sea.
Escalating Tensions Ahead of Talks
Despite the planned negotiations, both countries have reported intensified military actions. Ukraine claims to have conducted a significant strike on Russian strategic bombers deep within Russian territory. The Security Service of Ukraine announced a special operation targeting air bases, stating that a number of long-range bombers were hit using drones.
Zelenskyy hailed the operation as an “absolutely brilliant outcome,” noting the use of 117 drones. However, Russian sources disputed the scale of the damage, accusing Ukraine of exaggeration.
Meanwhile, two bridges in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk regions collapsed, leading to casualties and disruptions. The Russian Investigative Committee labeled the incidents as “acts of terrorism.” A Ukrainian official suggested these could be “false flag” operations by Russia to influence international opinion ahead of the peace talks.
In response, Russian forces conducted a missile strike on a Ukrainian army training facility, resulting in significant casualties, according to Ukraine’s Army Press Service.
Deep Divisions Remain
Experts caution that while the talks are a positive step, deep divisions persist. Professor Wang Shuo of Beijing Foreign Studies University observed that Russia seeks to link a ceasefire to broader demands, such as NATO’s non-expansion and the lifting of sanctions. Ukraine favors an immediate ceasefire to gain relief for its forces before addressing wider issues.
“The fundamental lack of trust between Moscow and Kyiv will make negotiations difficult and prolonged,” Wang noted.
As the world watches, the outcome of these talks could have significant implications for regional stability and international relations.
