Russia and Ukraine will hold a second round of peace negotiations in Istanbul on Monday, as confirmed by Turkey's Foreign Ministry. The talks come amid heightened military tensions, with Ukraine reporting a major strike on Russian strategic bombers hours before the scheduled dialogue.
Ukraine's Roadmap for Peace
Kyiv has proposed a phased peace plan starting with a 30-day ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and the repatriation of Ukrainian children from Russian-controlled areas. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the need for direct leadership-level discussions to resolve fundamental disagreements, announcing an expanded 14-member delegation featuring defense and legal experts.
Russia's Position and Preparations
Moscow's delegation, led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, will present a confidential draft memorandum containing ceasefire proposals. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated potential discussions about Black Sea navigation safety but emphasized that substantial progress must precede any summit involving Western leaders.
Global Implications
The outcome of these talks carries significant weight for global security and economic stability, particularly in energy and grain markets. While U.S. involvement through proposed trilateral talks remains conditional on initial progress, the international community watches closely as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent further escalation.
