ISTANBUL NEGOTIATIONS

Kremlin says 'quick results' in normalising US-Russia ties 'unlikely'
The Kremlin on Wednesday said it was unlikely that attempts to improve Russia-US ties would bring "quick results", after a series of calls between presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. "There are many obstacles in bilateral relations, and it is unlikely that we can hope for any quick results," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Russia, Ukraine swap prisoners under Istanbul agreement
Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war under a deal made in Istanbul. Russia released Ukrainian POWs and received its own soldiers, now under care in Belarus. Russia also offered to return over 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers' bodies, but Kyiv representatives didn't show up for the handover.

US-Russian talks to take place in Moscow, Russian envoy says
US-Russia talks on bilateral issues are set to move to Moscow. Ambassador Alexander Darchiev cites the US "deep state" as hindering rapprochement. The Ukraine war has strained relations. Diplomats recall relations being at their worst. Donald Trump's administration views the conflict as a proxy war. Trump warns of potential escalation to a world war. Negotiations are expected soon in Moscow.

Russia, Ukraine swap first prisoners in large-scale exchange
Russia and Ukraine on Monday swapped a first group of captured soldiers -- part of an agreement reached during peace talks that appeared to be in doubt over the weekend. Russia's defence ministry also confirmed the swap was part of "agreements reached on 2 June in Istanbul".

Russia awaits Ukraine's confirmation on a planned exchange of dead fighters, officials say
Russian and Ukrainian officials trade accusations over a delayed prisoner exchange of 6,000 bodies, while Russia claims advances into Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. Both sides report aerial attacks, with casualties and damage in Kharkiv and Belgorod. Despite agreements made in Istanbul, the body repatriation process faces obstacles, with each side blaming the other for hindering progress.

Russia says pushing offensive into Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region
Russia announced its forces are pushing into Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. This advance into a new region follows stalled peace talks where Moscow demanded Kyiv's concessions, including ending Western arms support and dropping NATO ambitions.
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Russia accuses Ukraine of delaying POW exchange amid massive attack
Russia accused Ukraine of delaying a large-scale exchange of captured soldiers and the handover of killed soldiers' bodies, an agreement reached during peace talks in Istanbul. Moscow claims to have prepared for the exchange, sending bodies and a list of POWs, urging Kyiv to proceed immediately.
Russia accuses Ukraine of 'postponing' POW swap
Russia on Saturday accused Ukraine of postponing a large-scale prisoner swap and the repatriation of the bodies of dead soldiers they had agreed on during peace talks in Istanbul. Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv agreed on Monday to swap all wounded soldiers and those under the age of 25 who were still held as POWs. It was the only concrete outcome from the talks, at which Russia has repeatedly rejected Ukrainian calls for an immediate ceasefire.
Russia launches major overnight attack on Kharkiv, killing one
Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, endured Russia's most intense assault since the war began, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The attack, involving missiles, drones, and guided bombs, follows failed peace negotiations in Istanbul. This escalation comes after Ukraine proposed a truce, which Russia rejected, and amidst vows of retaliation for a Ukrainian drone strike on Russian military jets.
Ukraine war 'existential', Russia says, launching revenge strikes
The Kremlin said on Friday the Ukraine war was "existential" for Russia, after it launched a wave of retaliatory drone and missile strikes that killed three rescue workers in Kyiv. Peskov's comments came shortly after the Russian defence ministry said its forces had launched the "massive" missile and drone strike in "response" to recent attacks by Kyiv on its territory.
Ukraine, Russia hold peace talks but make no breakthrough after major attacks
Following Istanbul talks, Russia tempered expectations for a swift resolution in Ukraine, demanding troop withdrawal from annexed regions as a precondition for a ceasefire. Kyiv seeks a full cessation of hostilities, while Moscow proposes a partial truce. Amidst stalled negotiations, civilian areas are targeted, prompting Zelensky to urge stronger international action and sanctions against Russia.
Kerch bridge hit by Ukraine with underwater explosives: Why is the Crimean Bridge is so important to Putin?
Ukraine has detonated a massive underwater blast targeting the key road and rail bridge connecting the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula to Russia, damaging its underwater supports. The Ukrainian Security Service, known by its acronym SBU, claimed it damaged the foundations of the Kerch Bridge linking Russia and illegally annexed Crimea — a key artery for Russian military supplies in the war.
Ukraine and Russia agree to swap 6,000 bodies of soldiers killed in three-year war
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to exchange 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers, following recent peace talks in Turkey. Despite this agreement and discussions on prisoner releases, the talks yielded no significant progress towards ending the conflict. The meeting occurred after Ukraine's successful drone attacks on Russian air bases, which damaged a substantial portion of Moscow's strategic bomber fleet.
Donald Trump 'open' to meeting Ukraine, Russia leaders to push ceasefire
Donald Trump may meet Russian and Ukrainian leaders in Turkey. This follows stalled ceasefire talks in Istanbul. Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed the summit. Vladimir Putin has not agreed, but Volodymyr Zelensky is willing. Trump wants both sides to negotiate. A prisoner exchange was agreed upon. Ukraine wants tougher sanctions on Russia. Russia demands Ukraine cede territory for a ceasefire.
Ukraine and Russia agree to swap dead and wounded troops but report no progress toward ending war
Russia and Ukraine met for peace talks, but failed to achieve a breakthrough. They agreed to exchange dead soldiers and wounded troops. Prior to the meeting, Ukraine launched drone attacks on Russian air bases. Russia responded with a large drone attack on Ukraine. Russia presented terms for ending the war, which included Ukraine withdrawing forces from annexed regions.
Asian stocks start cautious, dollar holds drop
Asian shares began cautiously following a tech-driven rally in US stocks, while bonds remained steady. Investors are closely monitoring trade war developments, including extended tariff exclusions and potential US-China talks. Japan faces debt market pressures, and Russia-Ukraine talks concluded without a resolution, setting the stage for a prisoner exchange. Market volatility is expected amid trade tensions and geopolitical concerns.
Piece talks! Kyiv & Moscow end negotiations in an hour
The warring sides met for barely an hour in the Turkish city of Istanbul, for only the second such round of negotiations since March 2022. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan described it as a great meeting and said he hoped to bring together Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a meeting in Turkey with US President Donald Trump.
World War 3: Will Ukraine's drone strike inside Russia raise the risk of a global nuclear war?
Amidst escalating global tensions, Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russian air bases, damaging aircraft ahead of peace talks. Concerns about nuclear escalation have resurfaced, prompting European nations to prepare for broader conflict. With instability rising in the Middle East and Asia, analysts question whether the world is entering a wider war, as countries increase defense readiness.
The Ukrainian truck trick: How Kyiv smuggled drones 6,000 km into Russia to strike bases housing nuclear-capable aircraft
Ukraine executed a daring drone operation, dubbed "Web," striking deep inside Russia, targeting air bases and destroying or damaging over 40 aircraft. Drones were smuggled in trucks, concealed as mobile wooden houses, showcasing Kyiv's evolving covert capabilities. Russia retaliated with a massive drone and missile barrage, escalating the conflict ahead of scheduled peace talks in Istanbul.
Russia and Ukraine to talk about peace but are still far apart
Russian and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Istanbul for peace talks, their second direct engagement since 2022, amidst escalating conflict. Despite U.S. pressure for a resolution, significant differences remain, with both sides presenting their peace proposals.
"Brilliant operation carried out on enemy territory, Russia suffered significant losses": Zelenskyy
In his address to the nation on Sunday, Zelenskyy thanked Ukraine's Security Service and all those involved in the operation and mentioned that 117 drones were used in the operation. He noted that the preparation of the operation took over a year and a half and mentioned that planning, organisation and every detail were perfectly executed.
Russia and Ukraine step up the war on eve of peace talks
Amidst escalating conflict, Ukraine and Russia are set to engage in peace talks in Istanbul, following a major prisoner exchange. However, the lead-up to negotiations has been marked by intensified warfare, including drone battles, attacks on Russian territory, and advancements by Russian forces in Ukraine.
Ukraine says Russia launched the biggest number of drones in the 3-year war on Sunday
Russia launched a record number of drones on Ukraine, totaling 472, alongside seven missiles, marking the largest aerial assault since the full-scale invasion. Amidst this, Ukraine is set to engage in peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Putin's tough stance on a Ukraine peace plan shows his resolve on Russia's demands
Amid ongoing missile strikes, Putin demands Ukraine cede territory for peace, signaling a willingness to fight until his maximalist terms are met. Trump, while engaging with Putin, has warned against manipulation and threatened sanctions. As Russia intensifies its offensive and Ukraine faces weapons shortages, the specter of a prolonged conflict looms, with potential shifts in U.S. involvement adding further uncertainty.
Evacuation order for 11 villages on Ukraine border with Russia
Authorities in Ukraine's Sumy region bordering Russia on Saturday ordered the mandatory evacuation of 11 villages because of bombardments, as Kyiv feared a Russian offensive there. A spokesman for Ukraine's border guard service, Andriy Demchenko, on Thursday said that Russia was poised to "attempt an attack" on Sumy.
Ukraine says it's ready to restart talks with Russia but needs clarity on Kremlin's terms
Ukraine is prepared to resume direct peace talks with Russia in Istanbul on Monday, pending the receipt of Moscow's proposed memorandum outlining its position on ending the conflict. Ukrainian officials insist on a constructive discussion and clarification of Russia's terms before negotiations proceed.
Trump surrendering to Putin? US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia says NATO's eastward expansion can be stopped
Ukraine-Russia war: US President Donald Trump has pushed for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine for the last few week. While the two countries have exchanged some POWs in the last few days, there has been not much movement on stopping the war. Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have not moved away from their stand which they had taken at the start of the war.
Germany's Friedrich Merz offers to help Ukraine develop its own long-range missiles to hit Russia
Germany pledges to assist Ukraine in developing long-range missile systems without Western restrictions, aiming to bolster its defense capabilities. Simultaneously, Russia proposes peace talks in Istanbul, while Ukraine seeks a concrete memorandum outlining Moscow's position. Amidst ongoing conflict, both sides continue deep strikes, highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation and resolution.
Ukraine says hit by record drone salvo after Trump rebukes Putin
Russia fired 355 drones at Ukraine overnight in the biggest such attack since Moscow's 2022 invasion, Kyiv said on Monday, a day after Russian strikes killed 13 people. Ukraine's air force said Russia had launched "355 Shahed-type drones"that it was the largest drone attack since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. bur-oc/cad/bc
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