Kyiv-Moscow: Negotiations under high tension

On the eve of a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations, Operation "Spider Web" was a success for Kyiv. Ukrainian forces destroyed dozens of Russian fighter jets on Sunday.

The Ukrainian security service (SBU) claims to have hit several aircraft at airbases located thousands of kilometres from the front line. To everyone’s surprise, Kyiv attacked the "strategic aviation" used by Russia for its long-range strikes on Ukrainian territory.

This attack took place on Sunday, ahead of peace talks scheduled for Monday in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine, already threatened by uncertainty and pressure from US President Donald Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted during the NATO meeting in Vilnius the importance of ensuring the return of more prisoners held in Russia, both military and civilian, during the meeting between the Moscow and Kyiv envoys in Istanbul.

The other key issue the Ukrainian side wishes to address at the Istanbul meeting, Mr Zelensky explained, is the possible ceasefire for an initial period of at least 30 days requested by Kyiv to restart the peace talks.

"I'm not sure the Russians are ready for productive talks," Mr Zelensky stated on his arrival at the NATO summit in Vilnius.

(MH with Ambar - Source: X/Reuters - Photo: © DPA - press.media - Belkin Alexey)