Украина и Россия готовятся к новым мирным переговорам в условиях продолжающихся атак, но надежды остаются низкими

Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to hold a new round of peace talks in Istanbul on Wednesday, marking the first direct negotiations in seven weeks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed his offer for a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the need for a lasting peace. However, the Kremlin has downplayed expectations, insisting that Russia's war goals remain unchanged and warning against expecting 'miracles' from the talks. The renewed diplomatic push comes as Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continue, resulting in civilian casualties and heightened urgency for a ceasefire.

International actors, including the US and Germany, have expressed support for the negotiations, but a breakthrough appears unlikely given the entrenched positions on both sides.