Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict Leads to Negotiations in Istanbul as Both Parties Share Proposed Peace Agreements
Heads are butting once more as Russia and Ukraine prep for round two of their peace talks in Turkey. The Ukrainian crew rolled into Istanbul on Monday, despite whispers from Kyiv suggesting they might skip the second round following little progress in the initial skirmish last month. In that tussle, all they managed to agree on was a prisoner swap, with Ukraine grousing that Russia keeps putting forward unrealistic demands.
The Russian team also touched down in Istanbul, ready to present their peace terms, which they've held back from Ukraine as per their own command. Russian presidential advisor, Vladimir Medinsky, let slip to TASS news agency that they've clapped eyes on Ukraine's proposal.
Ukraine, in turn, has put forth a roadmap for lasting peace, devoid of restrictions to its military muscle or international recognition of Russian sovereignty over chunks of Ukraine - demands Russia's been hammering on about. As the delegations landed in Turkey, the Ukrainians kicked off chats with the Germans, Italians, and British.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy jetted off to Vilnius for a NATO gathering, pleading with the Western military alliance to provide Ukraine with security guarantees in case of a ceasefire or peace deal. Russia brands this as unacceptable. Zelenskyy insisted on a "full and unconditional ceasefire," freeing prisoners, returning abducted children, and a face-off with Putin.
The Kremlin has said a tête-à-tête with Zelenskyy can only happen once the delegations iron out broader agreements. Russia wants a ceasefire deal to tackle the root causes, including limitations on Ukraine's military capabilities, a ban on Ukraine joining NATO, and agreement on territorial concessions.
The drama unfolded as both parties reported heavy bombardments from massive overnight attacks. Russia boasted that its air defenses obliterated 162 Ukrainian drones mainly over border regions like Kursk and Belgorod. A day before, Ukraine staged one of its biggest, most victorious attacks against Russian soil, decimating scores of strategic bombers across Siberia and other military bases.
Ukraine, on the flipside, reported that Russia hit 80 drones on their soil overnight, striking 12 targets, with one fatality and a five-year-old child injured in Kherson.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-reports-more-strikes-russia-says-it-intercepted-162-drone-attacks-2022-12-05/
[2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/3/ukraine-russia-aim-for-peace-deal-at-turkish-talks-but-hard-talks-expected
- The breaking news of round two of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey continues to be a major source of political tension, as both sides have been seen making unyielding demands, possibly leading to further war-and-conflicts.
- The latest escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, marked by heavy bombardments and significant drone attacks, has led to further deterioration in relations and raised concerns about general-news regarding security and peace in the region.
- As the negotiations in Turkey progress, the international community is closely watching the developments, with many hoping that a lasting peace can be achieved without restrictions to Ukraine's military capabilities or international recognition of Russian sovereignty over portions of Ukraine, crucial issues at the heart of this long-standing conflict.
