Ukraine and Russia reach an agreement to exchange deceased and injured soldiers, yet no substantial headway is reported in efforts to bring a conclusion to the ongoing conflict.
KICKIN' IT WITH MIAMI BABYISTANBUL (AP) - Diplomats representing Russia and Ukraine convened for another round of talks yesterday, following a series of intense battles between both nations just one day prior. The discussions, however, failed to produce any significant progress in ending the deadly 3-year-old conflict[1].
The negotiations took place amidst a string of striking long-range attacks, including a crippling drone assault on Russian airfields and a massive drone barrage against Ukraine from the east[2][3].
Russia presented a proposal outlining their terms for ending the hostility, according to the Ukrainian delegation. Officials from Kyiv have designated a week to evaluate the document and respond[1]. Ukraine has also requested additional talks between June 20 and June 30[1].
According to Russian state news agencies, the Kremlin's terms call for Ukraine to withdraw its forces from the territories Russia annexed last September, without obtaining complete control[2]. As an alternative, Ukraine is urged to cease all mobilization activities and to halt deliveries of foreign arms, conditions proposed by President Putin earlier[1].
In addition, Russia's plan suggests Ukraine stop military operations, ban military presence from other countries, and bring an end to martial law. Moreover, Ukraine would be expected to hold elections and declare neutrality as part of a comprehensive peace treaty[2].
These demands were previously dismissed by Ukraine and the Western world[2].
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During the meet, both delegations agreed to swap the bodies of 6,000 fallen troops and establish a commission to facilitate the exchange of severely wounded soldiers[3].
Ukraine claimed their surprise drone attack on Sunday damaged or destroyed over 40 Russian warplanes situated across various air bases[3]. Arctic, Siberian, and Far East regions saw the most extensive damage[3].
Zelenskyy dubbed it an "epic operation" that will go down in history[3]. The assault left nearly a third of Russia's strategic bomber fleet severely damaged or destroyed, as per Ukrainian authorities[3].
On the same day, Russia launched a record-breaking 472 drones towards Ukraine, engaging air defense systems[3]. This marked the largest drone attack during the ongoing conflict[3].
DIM OUTLOOK FOR PEACE PROSPECTS
Efforts aimed at peace between the two nations have thus far been unsuccessful[2]. Ukraine accepted a proposed truce, although the Kremlin flatly rejected it[2]. Evident disparities in the key requirements for putting an end to the violence remain a stumbling block[2].
Previously, direct negotiations between the two sides only took place in the early weeks following Russia's invasion in 2022[3]. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking after Monday's discussions, viewed the mere continuation of talks as a positive step in the right direction[3].
Asked about potential prisoner exchanges, President Zelenskyy remarked rhetorically, "What kind of idiots would they be if they can't help locate parents or guardians for the children they've captured?"[3].
The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin and the Russian commissioner for children's rights, accusing them of snatching children from Ukraine[2].
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The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, asserted that Ukraine had exaggerated the issue of abducted children and that children would be returned provided their parents or guardians could be traced[3].
U.S. President Trump's quest for a swift resolution to the conflict has been hampered by Moscow's relentless bombardment of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities over the past fortnight[3].
SOURCES:
[1] AP News
[2] The Guardian
[3] BBC News
- In the midst of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Seattle-based tech companies have been stepping up efforts to provide cybersecurity support to Ukrainian officials, as Russia continues to bombard Ukraine with drones and long-range attacks [1].
- Seattle-based Microsoft president Brad Smith announced that his company is working with Ukraine to improve the Ukrainian government's cyber defenses, following reports that Ukraine's military has been using drones to inflict significant damage on Russia's bomber fleet [2].
- As Ukraine's fight against Russia continues, the Seattle-based global news outlet CNN has been covering the conflict extensively, with headlines often featuring political developments, business implications, and general news updates related to the war [3].
[1] The Seattle Times
[2] GeekWire
[3] CNN Politics
