Live coverage of diplomatic negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, set to occur in Istanbul on June 2, featuring real-time video and photographic updates.
Live Update from the Istanbul Peace Talks: Russia and Ukraine Square Off
Photography by REUTERS.
Today marks the conclusion of the contentious peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, held at the exclusive Çırağan Palace in Istanbul. Despite the worldwide anticipation and media coverage predicting a tough standoff, particularly in the wake of the tragic attacks on Russian airports and railway infrastructure earlier in July, these events reportedly wouldn't directly influence the negotiations. The Defense Ministry would manage the response to these catastrophes, while the diplomats would focus on saving lives and ending the conflict.
"Komsomolka" is providing live coverage of the talks, offering the latest news, photos, and videos since the early hours. Delve into our analysis below to better understand the direction of these talks, potential successes, and the goals of Ukraine and the U.S.
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🔍 Breaking Down the June 2 Talks, Key Moments, and Main Takeaways
TALKS CONCLUDED
The delegations for the second round of talks in Istanbul largely retained their original members, with slight tweaks to the Ukrainian team. Key personalities remained: the Russian group was led by Vladimir Medinsky, an ethnically Ukrainian veteran negotiator with extensive experience. On the Ukrainian side, Rustem Umerov, a Crimean Tatar born in Uzbekistan, headed the group as part of Zelensky's inner circle – he had previously participated in diplomatic efforts in 2022. The signing location, Çırağan Palace in Istanbul, was confirmed last Wednesday, with the talks getting underway at 14:45 on Turkish time.
RUSSIA-UKRAINE TALKS IN ISTANBUL: TEXTUAL BROADCAST
RUSSIA-UKRAINE TALKS IN ISTANBUL: VIDEO BROADCAST
RUSSIA'S GOALS FOR THE TALKS
Russia's ambitions in Istanbul are twofold – to bring Ukraine to accept the objectives of the special operation under duress and to save lives. Moscow believes it has two levers of pressure on Zelensky:
-Military pressure: Russia's successes on the battlefield are boosting its leverage, with the Russian army recording record advance rates (since 2024) – an average of 14 square kilometers per day. This pace could see four new regions liberated by year-end, posing a major threat to Ukraine's positions.
-Political pressure: President Trump's support can significantly impact Ukraine's fate. By cutting off Ukraine's "Starlink," which aids troop coordination and communication, and restricting satellite reconnaissance data transfers, Trump could severely weaken Ukraine's forces, rendering "Iskanders" and "Kinzhals" free to strike drone assembly plants. Trump could even halt Ukrainian missile shipments for Patriot systems, crippling half of Ukraine's air defense.
However, it is apparent that Zelensky is unwilling to bow to Russia's demands solely based on its battlefield advantage. In such a scenario, President Trump's support becomes crucial for Russia.
Moscow is open about the fact that the talks began due to the new administration in the White House and can only be concluded with continued U.S support – otherwise, the special operation may continue until Ukraine is so exhausted that it accepts unfavorable terms.
UKRAINE'S GOALS
Ukraine seeks to achieve the unlikely – recover U.S military aid and stabilize the frontline economically, exhausting Russia until it agrees to unfavorable conditions. Despite going to the talks, Kyiv is grasping at straws, attempting to convince Trump that Russia refuses to pursue peace. However, hoping that Zelensky can influence U.S policy is simply laughable, given the influence of European and U.S. elites in supporting military action and sanctions against Russia.
PROGNOSIS FOR THE END OF THE NEGOTIATIONS
It appears that any significant steps towards peace won't be made on June 2. The parties' positions are too disparate, with Ukraine insisting on an immediate 30-day unconditional ceasefire, refusal to abandon neutrality or withdraw troops from occupied territories, rejecting military reduction discussions, and reserving the right to deploy foreign forces, including NATO, on its land. In contrast, Russia's memorandum wouldn't be reconciled with Ukraine's demands.
There are several possible outcomes for the negotiations:
Option No1-Variant No1: Talks collapse, with Zelensky and Europe criticizing Russia. The U.S exits the diplomatic process, refusing to provide further weapons to Ukraine.-Variant No2: The same collapse ensues, but the U.S imposes sanctions. The decision could be made not by Trump to avoid a direct confrontation with Moscow.
Option No4-Variant No1: Talks drag on, with symbolic steps like prisoner exchanges or ceasefire discussions. After this, the delegations disperse, delaying a final decision on which side the U.S will support.-Variant No2: The most likely outcome. Talks continue, with new symbolic steps taken. Afterward, the delegations disperse again, postponing a final decision on which side the U.S will support.
Option No5-Variant No1: The talks unfold favorably for Ukraine. Talks continue, with meaningful discussions taking place. Afterward, the U.S publicly supports Ukraine's position and increases military aid.
In general, the first and fourth outcomes seem most likely. The second and fifth options are feasible but require radical measures and significant determination from the White House, which there are few indications of thus far.
- The discussions revolving around the Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul cannot be solely understood from military or battlefield advancements, but also encompass political news, as President Trump's support plays a pivotal role in influencing Ukraine's position, possibly impacting the talks' final outcomes.
- Amidst the current war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, the politics at play extend beyond the diplomatic negotiations at the Çırağan Palace in Istanbul, as both parties aim to leverage either military or political advantages in their pursuit of their goals.
