Russia has tempered expectations for a breakthrough in upcoming peace talks with Ukraine, scheduled to take place in Istanbul. Despite Ukraine’s recent offer for new peace talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed skepticism about achieving significant progress. “We don’t have any reason to hope for some miraculous breakthroughs,” Peskov told reporters, adding that such outcomes were “hardly possible in the current situation”. This cautious approach comes as Ukrainian officials reported a 10-year-old boy was killed and over 20 people wounded in overnight Russian attacks.
The upcoming talks, set for Wednesday in Istanbul, mark the third round of negotiations in recent months. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Rustem Umerov, the former defense minister and current secretary of the security council, will lead Ukraine’s delegation. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to discuss key issues, including securing the release of captives, returning abducted children, halting killings, and preparing a leaders’ meeting. Russia, however, has not yet disclosed the composition of its team for the talks.
Peskov’s comments reflect Russia’s guarded stance on potential progress. When asked about the Kremlin’s expectations for a peace agreement timeline, he declined to provide guidance, stating, “There is a lot of work to be done before we can talk about the possibility of some top-level meetings”. This sentiment echoes previous negotiations, which resulted in prisoner exchanges but no ceasefire agreement.
The talks are taking place against the backdrop of ongoing violence, with Russia launching a significant aerial assault on Ukraine overnight, involving 426 drones and 24 missiles. Ukraine’s air force reported downing or jamming at least 224 Russian drones and missiles. The conflict continues to claim lives, with Kramatorsk and Sumy regions bearing the brunt of recent attacks.
Experts suggest that while the negotiations may be a step in the right direction, significant challenges remain. Turkey, which has positioned itself as a mediator, may need to redouble its diplomatic efforts to facilitate a breakthrough. The path to peace appears fraught, with both sides holding firm to their interests and demands.