In brief
Russia and Ukraine are gearing up for a crucial meeting in Istanbul on Wednesday, with both nations managing expectations around the talks. The upcoming negotiations are the third round since initial discussions prompted by the Trump administration earlier in the year. Moscow has expressed little optimism, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov stating that significant breakthroughs are unlikely at this time. On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, will represent Ukraine in the discussions. The Turkish government confirmed the timing without elaborating on the details of the talks. Overall, both sides appear resigned to the prolongation of the conflict, reflecting the challenges present in achieving a peaceful resolution.
