The Russia-Ukraine conflict has reached a decisive stage after three years. On Sunday, Ukraine targeted and utterly destroyed 41 Russian bombers stationed at Russian air bases. This attack is considered the deadliest since 2022 in terms of the damage inflicted on Russia. Notably, it occurred just a day before the scheduled peace talks between the two nations.
Representatives from Russia and Ukraine are poised to engage in their second round of peace negotiations since 2022, to be held in Istanbul, Türkiye's capital, on Monday. However, there appears to be no significant progress toward a conclusive agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his readiness to take every necessary step to secure peace. During a gathering of NATO leaders in Lithuania, a European nation, Zelenskyy emphasized that his country is prepared to reestablish peace. He stressed that if Russia undermines the Istanbul talks and leaves them without a resolution, it is imperative to impose new sanctions immediately.
The unprecedented destruction of Russian aircraft brings an urgency to negotiations, forcing Russia to the peace table. Realizing the massive losses in war, Russia is driven toward diplomacy and negotiation.
According to Zelenskyy, peace should commence with a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, the release of prisoners, and the return of abducted children. Should Russia reject these terms, heightened sanctions must be urgently enacted.
Zelenskyy's Demands
Zelenskyy insists that if Russia does not comply with peace talks, stringent sanctions, as promised by former U.S. President Donald Trump, must be enforced.
Sanctions on Russian oil and tankers
Establishing a cap on oil prices
Severe economic measures against Russian banks and financial institutions
