President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism regarding the next Istanbul talks, citing Russia’s failure to provide a promised memorandum outlining ceasefire terms and continued aggression. This lack of preparation and Moscow’s disregard for international calls for a ceasefire suggest the meeting may be unproductive. Zelenskyy nevertheless thanked Turkey for its peace efforts, particularly the prisoner exchange, and ongoing diplomatic support. Ukraine remains prepared for negotiations, but Russia’s actions indicate a possible attempt to stall peace efforts.
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Despite Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s call for a face-to-face meeting, Russian President Putin will not attend Thursday’s peace talks in Istanbul. Instead, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead the Russian delegation. These talks, following Putin’s earlier suggestion for direct negotiations, were prompted by recent calls for a ceasefire from Western powers. The US will send a high-level delegation, including Senator Marco Rubio, to participate in related discussions.
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The upcoming Ukraine-Russia talks, scheduled for May 15th in Istanbul, will be led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He will head the Russian delegation, which will also include Yuri Ushakov, presidential aide on foreign policy. These high-level representatives underscore the importance Russia places on these negotiations.
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A recent daily Crossword puzzle attracted 34,242 players. The game’s popularity highlights its continued appeal. Player completion times vary widely, creating a competitive element. This raises the question of individual solving speed and skill. The challenge invites players to test their abilities against a large player base.
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In the early days of the war, Russia issued an ultimatum to Ukrainian President Zelensky, demanding his resignation in favor of Viktor Medvedchuk and a series of concessions including relinquishing control of Donbas, demilitarization, and constitutional neutrality. These demands, which mirrored those presented during unsuccessful Istanbul talks, were framed as an ultimatum rather than a negotiation, according to Zelensky. The ultimatum included significant territorial and military compromises, effectively aiming for a pro-Russian puppet government in Kyiv. Zelensky asserts that these “Istanbul Accords,” repeatedly referenced by Putin, never existed.
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John Q. Hosedrinker