Ukrainian and Russian delegations have convened in Istanbul for a second round of peace talks, aiming to address the ongoing conflict that has persisted since 2022. The discussions are being led by Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Russia’s Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan overseeing the proceedings.
Despite international pressure, including from US President Donald Trump, who has called for peace and threatened to withdraw US support if no progress is made, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Ukraine demands the restoration of its territorial integrity and reparations, while Russia seeks a peace memorandum that may include conditions unacceptable to Kyiv.
The talks occur amid intensified military actions. Over the weekend, Ukraine launched “Operation SpiderWeb,” a coordinated drone strike that reportedly destroyed or damaged over 40 Russian military aircraft, including strategic bombers, at airbases deep within Russian territory. In retaliation, Russia conducted its largest drone assault to date, with Ukrainian air defenses intercepting 52 out of 80 drones.
Additionally, the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv was struck by two ballistic missiles on Monday morning, one landing near a school and the other near an apartment building. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
As the war enters its third year with over 1.2 million casualties, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could lead to a lasting peace.
