Russia, Ukraine embrace second round of direct talks in Turkey

As part of effort towards resolving the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, delegates from both countries have gathered in Turkey for their second round of direct peace talks.

The meeting began shortly before 3 p.m. on Monday at a palace in Istanbul. The previous round took place on May 16, and was the first face-to-face meeting between the two countries in more than three years.

Again, the Russian delegation is being led by Vladimir Medinsky, a senior aide to President Vladimir Putin, while Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov is representing Kyiv. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is attending as a mediator.

They are believed to be discussing each other’s memorandum on a potential peace treaty.

The Russian side is expected to call for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the four regions in the country’s east and south, which Russia says it annexed.

Ukraine will likely seek a full and unconditional ceasefire, as well as summit-level talks toward realizing a lasting peace. The negotiations are expected to be difficult as the two sides remain far apart on their conditions for peace.

Intense fighting has continued up to the meeting. Russian forces stepped up their offensive in eastern Ukraine, resulting in casualties.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian media reported on Sunday that the country’s security agency launched drone strikes on airfields in Russia and struck 41 aircraft, including strategic bombers.