Ukraine and Russia are set to meet in Istanbul, Turkey, for their first direct talks since the start of the conflict three years ago.  This meeting comes after a long pause in negotiations.  The talks are happening because of a push from Ukraine and some European leaders, who want a 30-day ceasefire to allow for peace discussions.  The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, will not be attending, despite an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.  This decision was confirmed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

    The U. S. President Donald Trump has been pushing for a peace deal.  He believes that a meeting between himself and Putin is necessary for any real progress.  Trump has suggested that he might travel to Istanbul if there is a significant development.  However, he has also stated that he does not expect Putin to attend the talks.  Trump's involvement in the peace process has been a topic of discussion, with some questioning his motives and the potential impact on the negotiations.

    The talks in Istanbul are significant because of the city's history as a hub for diplomatic efforts related to the conflict.  In March 2022, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators produced the Istanbul Communiqué, a framework for a possible peace agreement.  The agreement involved Ukraine accepting permanent neutrality in exchange for security guarantees.  However, the war intensified, and evidence of alleged Russian war crimes emerged, undermining the early peace efforts.

    The talks will be led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky for Russia and a top-level delegation for Ukraine.  Zelenskyy has expressed skepticism about the Russian delegation's authority to make decisions, stating that everything in Russia depends on its president.  He has also criticized the Russian approach to the talks, describing it as theatrical.

    The outcome of the talks is uncertain, with some analysts expressing low expectations for an immediate breakthrough.  The Russians have indicated that they are interested in keeping military and diplomatic pressure on Ukraine, suggesting that the negotiations could be long and complex.  Both sides are maneuvering to avoid blame for the failure of the peace talks and to dodge Trump's subsequent wrath.

    The talks in Istanbul are a crucial step in the peace process, but the road to a lasting agreement is likely to be long and challenging.  The international community will be watching closely to see if this round of talks can lead to a breakthrough in the conflict.

Peace Talks: Ukraine and Russia Meet Again in Istanbul

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