Second stage of peace discussions between Russia, Ukraine
(MENAFN) The second session of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine begun in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Monday, following an escalation in combined drone and missile attacks. Kyiv has increased its use of drones, striking targets within Russian borders including civilian infrastructure, railway lines, and military airbases—actions that Moscow alleges are deliberate attempts to undermine the diplomatic process.
Just one day before the negotiations began, two bridges collapsed in the Russian border areas of Bryansk and Kursk, resulting in at least seven fatalities and numerous injuries. Russian authorities have attributed these incidents to sabotage.
That same day, drones struck several military airfields scattered across Russia, including those in the northern Murmansk region, the western Ivanovo and Ryazan regions, as well as the Siberian Irkutsk region and the Far Eastern Amur region. In retaliation for Kyiv’s attacks, Russia conducted multiple strikes aimed at Ukraine’s defense industry installations along with military logistics centers and storage facilities.
Some experts and military commentators speculate that Kyiv’s recent operations were designed to reassure Western allies of Ukraine’s continued capacity to wage war and to exert psychological pressure on the Russian public.
On Sunday afternoon, the Russian delegation, headed by a presidential aide, arrived in Istanbul, while Ukraine’s team, led by its Defense Minister, prepared for discussions. According to reports, the Ukrainian side intends to propose a one moth ceasefire, an exchange of prisoners based on an “all for all” approach, and the returning of Ukrainian children from areas controlled by Russia. The ultimate goal includes arranging a direct meeting between the leaders of both nations.
The prior stage of negotiations in Istanbul, held on May 16 and the first since 2022, resulted in the mutual release of 1,000 prisoners from each side. Both parties agreed to develop ceasefire proposals for the current discussions. Recently, the Kremlin representative confirmed that the Russian president is willing to engage in high-quality direct discussions with Kyiv, though emphasized that such meetings should follow concrete progress in ongoing negotiations.
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