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In advance of negotiations, Ukraine eliminates Russian aircraft.

Direct dialogues resumed in May between Moscow and Kyiv, marking the first since 2022, seeking an end to the ongoing conflict. The discussions resulted in a prisoner swap, but what can be anticipated from the upcoming round?

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Discussions between Moscow and Kyiv resumed for a second round in May, following a hiatus since...
Discussions between Moscow and Kyiv resumed for a second round in May, following a hiatus since 2022. The objective remains finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, and the outcome thus far includes another prisoner exchange.

In advance of negotiations, Ukraine eliminates Russian aircraft.

Going for Glory: Ukraine's Surprise Attack Rocking Peace Talks in Istanbul

The world's attention is squarely on Istanbul as the latest round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia unfold. After a spectacular strike by Ukraine against Russia's strategic bomber fleet, the stage is set for a tense dialogue. Let's break down what's happened, what it means for the discussions, and what we can expect moving forward.

Blitzkrieg Over European Russia: The Ukrainian Drone Attacks

In an apparent show of force, Ukrainian intelligence struck at the heart of Russia's military might. Over the past year and a half, Ukraine's SBU agency meticulously planned an attack on multiple air bases spread across Russia – including regions like Ivanovo, Ryazan, Murmansk in European Russia, Irkutsk in Siberia, and Amur in the Far East. The assault targeted more than 40 combat and reconnaissance aircraft, resulting in significant damage and potential losses of approximately 34% of Russia's long-range bombers, according to SBU reports.

The daring operation entailed outfitting trucks with tiny drones, disguising them as ordinary cargo, and driving these trucks unwittingly to the military bases. Once at the sites, the drones were remotely activated and launched their attack, causing destruction among the planes. While the numbers provided by the SBU have yet to be independently verified, photos and videos show aerial combat machines of the Tupolev Tu-95 and Tu-22 types sustaining significant damage.

Pre-Talks Posturing: A Tumultuous Road to Peace

As peace talks commence, both Russia and Ukraine have hardened their positions, with formidable demands that leave little room for compromise. Moscow remains adamant in its demands for Ukraine's renunciation of NATO membership, significant disarmament, and recognition of Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territories. The Russian Federation views the Crimean Peninsula, as well as the regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, as its territory.

Meanwhile, Ukraine resists the call for a withdrawal of troops and ruled out territorial concessions to Russia. Despite low expectations for a breakthrough, both sides express hope for at least some progress in moving towards peace.

A Mixed Legacy of Previous Talks

The last peace talks in Istanbul, held in mid-May, resulted in the largest prisoner exchange to date. With another exchange on the table, this round may present an opportunity to ease some tensions. Talks about a new ceasefire, similar to the Easter ceasefire, are also likely. However, both sides have expressed frustrations with each other's alleged violations during previous ceasefires, casting doubt on the possibility of meaningful agreements.

Ultimately, reaching a lasting and comprehensive peace remains an elusive goal, as both nations feel relentlessly entrenched in their positions.

Enrichment Data:

Overall, the ongoing peace talks between Ukraine and Russia face many obstacles, with significant differences between their demands and little progress in recent negotiations. Key developments include landmark drone attacks on Russian military bases and continued discussions about ceasefires, ceasefire violations, and prisoner exchanges. Moreover, both countries have sent proposals regarding future peace agreements, but with no clear sign of a lasting resolution.

Reference(s):- https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/27/world/europe/ukraine-russia-drone-attack.html- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61879343- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-russo-russia-peace-talks-security-council-2023-06-27/- https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-peace-talks-istanbul-osce-zadorozhny-nebenzya/32450970.html

  1. The surprise drone attacks by Ukraine on multiple Russian air bases, causing significant damage to long-range bombers, could impact the political negotiations between the two countries, as energy resources and military capabilities are essential components of war-and-conflicts discussions.
  2. General news outlets report that a mixed legacy of previous peace talks between Ukraine and Russia has left both countries with hardened positions in crime-and-justice matters, as negotiations about ceasefires, prisoner exchanges, and territorial disputes continue to be key elements of ongoing political dialogues.

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