**Ukraine and Russia in Talks: A Glimmer of Hope?**
In a recent meeting in Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had direct talks with Russian delegates. While the discussions did not yield an unconditional ceasefire, there were some positive developments. According to Zelenskyy, the Russians admitted to abducting hundreds of Ukrainian children, calling it a “show for childless European grandmothers.”
This admission is significant, as it shows that the Russian delegation acknowledged their involvement in the abduction of Ukrainian children. Zelenskyy also stated that the Kyiv representatives handed over a list with the names of nearly 400 children to the Russian side.
The Russian delegation’s behavior was described by Zelenskyy as “a little calmer than before,” possibly due to Ukraine’s recent covert operation, Spiderweb. This operation involved the use of kamikaze drones that hit four Russian military airfields deep inside Russia. The Russians threatened to derail the peace process if such operations were repeated.
**A Turning Point?**
The Ukrainian president believes that the secret operation, Spiderweb, may have had an impact on the behavior of the Russian delegation in Istanbul. He stated that Moscow’s representatives behaved “a little calmer than before.” However, Zelenskyy also warned that more measures might be needed to ensure proper behavior from Russia.
It is worth noting that the peace talks were not without controversy. The Russian delegation refused to agree to an unconditional ceasefire, and there was a sense of delay tactics being employed by Moscow. The Ukrainian side, however, remained resolute in their demands for a peaceful resolution.
**A Glimmer of Hope?**
While the talks did not yield any major breakthroughs, they do provide a glimmer of hope that Ukraine and Russia can find common ground. The admission by the Russian delegation regarding the abduction of children is an important step forward, and it may signal a willingness to engage in more constructive dialogue.
As Zelenskyy emphasized, the threats from the Russian side are “futile.” The Ukrainian president remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the recent developments suggest that this goal may not be as far-fetched as previously thought.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com
