Amidst ongoing tensions, Ukraine and Russia are set to hold direct negotiations in Istanbul on June 2nd, 2025. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will lead the Ukrainian delegation. These talks follow drone attacks on Russian airfields and infrastructure, as well as explosions damaging transport bridges in the Bryansk and Kursk regions.
Ukraine seeks a comprehensive ceasefire, prisoner release, and the return of abducted children. President Zelenskyy emphasizes these as crucial for a high-level meeting addressing security guarantees, territorial integrity, and compensation for Russian-inflicted damages. Russia is expected to present its memorandum during the meeting.
Recent events include damage to transport bridges in the Bryansk and Kursk regions, causing train derailments and casualties. Ukraine reportedly launched drone attacks on airfields in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur oblasts, damaging aircraft. The Russian Defence Ministry has confirmed these drone attacks.