Russia to engage in difficult Ukraine talks in Turkey.

A delegation from Russia is scheduled to arrive in Istanbul for the latest round of peace negotiations with their Ukrainian counterparts, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who anticipates the discussions will prove challenging. The Ukrainian delegation, having arrived in Ankara earlier, is set to engage in bilateral meetings with Turkish officials prior to the anticipated talks in Istanbul. According to a Ukrainian diplomatic source, Kyiv is prepared to undertake significant measures towards establishing peace and achieving a comprehensive ceasefire.

This new round of discussions marks the third such meeting in recent months and will occur on Wednesday evening. The dialogue, which the Ukrainian side proposed amid increasing pressure from the United States for a resolution, signifies an ongoing commitment to finding common ground, even as expectations for a breakthrough remain cautiously tempered.

Previously, rounds of negotiations have facilitated exchanges of prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers. However, they have not yet led to a formal ceasefire agreement, with compromises being hindered by Russia’s insistence on demands deemed unacceptable by Ukraine. These include the cession of four disputed regions currently claimed by Russia and a refusal to accept Western military support.

Dmitry Peskov indicated that the discussions will revisit positions outlined in draft memoranda from both sides and may touch upon the topic of prisoner exchanges. He noted that prospects for any “miraculous breakthroughs” are slim, acknowledging the complexity of the issues at hand.

Leading the Ukrainian delegation is Rustem Umerov, a former defense minister and current secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. Conversely, the Russian side will again feature Vladimir Medinsky, a presidential advisor and former culture minister. Concerns have previously been raised by Ukraine regarding Medinsky’s ability to make decisive contributions to the talks, as some feel that key decision-makers are often absent from these discussions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has articulated the goals for these negotiations through social media, emphasizing a desire for humanitarian actions, including the release of captives and the return of abducted children, as well as halting violence. His approach demonstrates a commitment to peace, expressing that Ukraine did not seek this conflict and that the responsibility lies with Russia to cease hostilities.

As talks progress, they happen against a backdrop of ongoing military action along the eastern front, underscoring the urgency of engaging in dialogue and advancing humanitarian exchanges. The upcoming meetings indicate a continued effort to maintain communication and negotiate solutions, even in the challenging context of ongoing conflict.

#PoliticsNews #MiddleEastNews