Peace Talks Loom, But Will Russia and Ukraine Actually Listen?

Russia and Ukraine are preparing for another round of peace talks in Turkey. This comes after Russia has launched several major drone strikes on Ukraine, killing over 340 civilians. Moscow is eager to discuss peace, but its actions speak louder than its words. Ukraine is sending a delegation to Istanbul for the talks. However, the mood is tense. Ukraine recently carried out its most significant strikes on Russian air bases since the war began. This adds an extra layer of uncertainty to the already fragile talks. Both sides have agreed to exchange their requirements for a ceasefire. Ukraine has already presented its plan, but Russia has not. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of deception and not genuinely wanting peace. He has called for clear agendas and proper preparation for meaningful talks. Russia, on the other hand, has been sticking to its maximalist demands. These include eliminating what it calls the "root causes" of the conflict. These demands are seen as unreasonable by Ukraine, as they would effectively mean surrender. Russia's insistence on presenting its ceasefire proposal only during the meeting is seen as a delaying tactic. The talks may also be a move to appease US President Donald Trump, who has been pressuring both sides to engage in his peace process. Trump has threatened consequences if either side does not cooperate. However, his stance on sanctions against Russia is unclear, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. It is clear that neither side is particularly eager to talk or expects much progress. They are likely to go through the motions to keep Trump interested. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, and the path to peace is far from clear.