In the lead-up to peace talks in Istanbul, Ukraine has reported a significant drone attack that reportedly destroyed over 40 Russian military aircraft at airfields, including the Belaya air base in Russia's Irkutsk region. This operation, which has been in planning for over a year and was overseen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, involved drones transported into Russia using truck containers, according to a Ukrainian security official.
In response, Russia initiated its own operation, deploying 472 drones and multiple missiles, which resulted in the deaths of at least 12 Ukrainian service members and injuries to over 60 others as reported by Ukraine's air force. These military actions occurred just before the scheduled negotiations, casting doubt on the potential for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
President Zelensky outlined Ukraine's demands for the negotiations, which include a full and unconditional ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and the return of abducted children. He emphasized the need for high-level discussions to address these critical issues, with Rustem Umerov leading the Ukrainian delegation at the talks.
In contrast, Russian state media accused Ukraine of exacerbating tensions prior to the negotiations. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that their actions have contributed to the current state of the conflict. Trump emphasized his belief that the war could have been avoided and labeled the situation as a result of “gross incompetence and hatred.”
As both sides prepare for negotiations, the recent military escalations highlight the precarious nature of the peace process and the ongoing complexities of the conflict.