Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of undermining peace talks by not presenting its peace terms in advance. Although Russian negotiators are heading to Istanbul for a second round of discussions, Ukraine has not yet confirmed its participation. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has warned Russia of impending sanctions if no ceasefire progress is made.
Zelenskyy has been actively engaging with global leaders, including Turkey's President Erdogan, to discuss the conditions under which Ukraine might participate in talks. Meanwhile, Russia has stated its readiness for a ceasefire but has set conditions, such as halting Western weapon supplies to Ukraine and ending Ukraine's military mobilization.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, there is skepticism about Russia's intentions, with Zelenskyy suggesting that negotiations might be a cover for further military offensives. The situation remains tense, with both sides maneuvering to set negotiation terms while continuing their military operations. The upcoming Istanbul talks are seen as a critical juncture, potentially setting the tone for future engagements. As the conflict persists, international pressure mounts on Russia to demonstrate genuine commitment to peace.
