Share this @internewscast.com

Ukraine is demanding the return of prisoners of war and “children taken by Russia,” while the Kremlin insists it will “pursue our interests” as the two countries prepare for peace negotiations on Wednesday.
Earlier ceasefire discussions have resulted in the exchange of numerous prisoners of war and the remains of deceased soldiers.
The push to end the conflict has intensified once more.

What do we know about the ceasefire talks?

The latest ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to occur in Istanbul, at the same site where previous negotiations in May and June did not achieve a ceasefire, according to Agence France-Presse.

The Istanbul talks could focus on further prisoner exchanges and a possible meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a senior Ukrainian official told AFP.
Russia, however, has signalled that a meaningful breakthrough isn’t expected anytime soon.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters earlier this week the two sides have “diametrically opposed” positions on how to end the war in Ukraine.
One of the main sticking points at previous meetings has been over territory, as Russia has seized swathes of Ukrainian land since its invasion began three years ago.
Ukraine continues to seek the return of the occupied territories, but Russia has shown no intent to retreat.
“There is no reason to expect any breakthroughs in the category of miracles — it is hardly possible in the current situation,” Peskov said.
“We intend to pursue our interests, we intend to ensure our interests and fulfil the tasks that we set for ourselves from the very beginning.”
Asked if he could provide a sense of how the Kremlin viewed the potential timeframe for a possible peace agreement, Peskov said he could offer no guidance on timing.

“There is a lot of work to be done before we can talk about the possibility of some top-level meetings,” he said.

Zelenskyy outlined what he is seeking in the negotiations.

“Our agenda is straightforward: return prisoners of war, return children abducted by Russia, and arrange for a meeting between the leaders,” he stated.

What happened last time?

At the time, Russia told Ukraine it would only agree to end the war if Ukraine gave up big new chunks of territory and accepted limits on the size of its army, according to a memorandum reported by Russian media.

The Russian memorandum, which was published by the Interfax news agency, said a settlement of the war would require international recognition of Crimea — a peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 — and four other regions of Ukraine that Russia has claimed as its own territory. Ukraine would have to withdraw its forces from all of them.

Peskov suggested Russia still holds this view.
“There is our draft memorandum; there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side. There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far,” he said.
Ukraine has repeatedly rejected the Russian conditions as tantamount to surrender.
— Additional reporting by the Reuters news agency

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Donald Trump Files Multibillion-Dollar Lawsuit Against BBC

United States president Donald Trump has sued the BBC for defamation over…
Tony Burke claims the Albanese Government has implemented the toughest laws seen at a federal level to combat hate speech, and is taking a tough stance on antisemitism in the wake of the Bondi Beach shooting.

Tony Burke Stands Firm on Government’s Strategy to Combat Antisemitism

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke insists the government is taking steps to…
Bondi beach shooting

Navigating the Surge of Bondi Shooting Videos Online: Tips for Managing Content Overload

Thousands of videos from the Bondi beach mass shooting have flooded social…
'Look for the helpers': Powerful acts of heroism shaped the Bondi terror tragedy

Unsung Heroes Emerge in Wake of Bondi Tragedy: Inspiring Acts of Courage and Kindness

Fred Rogers often shared a poignant message for those grappling with the…
Paul Doyle

Liverpool Parade Chaos: Driver’s 20-Year Sentence for Plowing Into Celebratory Crowd

An individual who left over 130 people injured after driving his vehicle…
A Hanukkah menorah stands by a floral tribute as people gather to pay their respects near the Bondi Pavilion at Bondi Beach today.

Australia Maintains ‘Probable’ Terror Alert Post-Bondi Attack: Understanding the Implications

Before the recent attack, officials had set Australia’s national terror alert to…
Bondi Pavilion vigil

Coma Survivor Faces Charges as Community Honors Shooting Victims at Vigil

The surviving Bondi Beach gunman awoke from his coma in hospital on…
Former PM critical of Albanese's leadership

Ex-Prime Minister Critiques Albanese’s Leadership Style

Former Prime Minister John Howard has said that the “gruesome” death toll…

Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Found Guilty in Landmark Hong Kong National Security Case

Hong Kong’s High Court on Monday found tycoon and pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy…

Heroic Bondi Terror Attack Survivor Ahmed Al-Ahmed Embarks on Extensive Recovery Journey Post-Surgery

The hero shop owner who disarmed one of the alleged Bondi gunmen…
How current Australian gun laws covering rifles and shotguns work

Understanding Australia’s Rifle and Shotgun Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide to Current Gun Laws

In the aftermath of the recent shooting at Bondi, the spotlight has…
Bystanders shown fighting with accused Bondi gunmen in new footage

Shocking New Footage Reveals Bystanders Battling Alleged Gunmen in Bondi Incident

Warning: This story contains graphic details and images. Today, a new video…