Kiev, Ukraine (AP) – The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 10 Sharp and Decoy drones during overnight strikes, marking the smallest drone attack of the year. This comes as preparations are possibly underway for a peace conference in Turkey.
The Kremlin has not directly replied to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s invitation for a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Istanbul on Thursday.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov avoided questions from reporters for the second consecutive day regarding whether Putin would attend the Istanbul talks and who else might represent Russia. “We’ll announce it when the president needs it,” Peskov stated.
Russia has indicated it will send a delegation to Istanbul without any conditions.
The US has been exerting significant pressure on both parties to engage in discussions since President Donald Trump took office in January, promising to end the conflict.
Analysts suggest that both sides are gearing up for a spring/summer military campaign, which has resulted in substantial casualties for both parties along the extensive 620-mile frontline. A Washington think tank, the War Institute, reported on Monday that Russia intends to quickly replenish its ranks to sustain its military efforts.
Zelenskyy’s advisor Mykhailo Podolyak mentioned on a YouTube program hosted by exiled Russian journalists that Zelenskyy will only meet Putin in Istanbul, rejecting discussions with any other Russian officials.
He stated that low-level consultations would only derail the peace initiative. Recent criticisms indicate that European leaders believe Putin is sluggish in his peace negotiations, aiming instead to bolster military operations and seize more Ukrainian territory.
Russia essentially dismissed the unconditional 30-day ceasefire demanded by Ukraine and Western leaders on Monday, when over 100 drones were launched in Ukraine. Instead, Putin proposed direct peace discussions in Istanbul on Thursday.
While Russia sidestepped the ceasefire proposal from the US and European nations, it still engaged in face-to-face talks with Ukraine.
Putin has consistently questioned the legitimacy of Zelensky’s government, asserting that Zelensky’s term ended last year. According to Ukrainian law, national elections cannot be held during martial law, which is currently in effect.
Moreover, a Ukrainian directive from 2022 prohibits negotiations with Putin.
Marco Rubio’s aide had discussions with top diplomats from Britain, France, Germany, and Poland in London on Monday, assessing the situation surrounding the Ukraine ceasefire and the journey toward peace.
These European nations have threatened further sanctions against Russia if Ukraine does not uphold the ceasefire it has agreed to since Monday, though additional measures have yet to be announced.
