Exciting news alert! This Thursday marks a pivotal moment as the first direct peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations are set to take place in Istanbul, Türkiye. The talks come almost a year after a turbulent chapter began, and everyone's eyes are on this historic meeting. 🌍
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a strong delegation led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. Joining him are Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Igor Kostyukov (chief of the main directorate of the general staff), and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin. Four additional experts will also contribute their seasoned insights from previous negotiations in 2022.
On the flip side, Ukraine's delegation details haven't been revealed yet. However, insiders report that Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on his way to Istanbul—with a twist. He has stated he will attend only if Putin is also present, adding another layer of drama to these high-stakes talks. 🤔
Adding to the mix, a U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, is also in attendance. U.S. interest is high, with the State Department describing these discussions as a "key opportunity" to pave the way for peace.
For young people and global citizens alike, these talks signal a potential breakthrough in long-standing conflicts. Stay tuned as Istanbul becomes the stage for what could be a transformative moment in international diplomacy! 🚀
Reference(s):
Russia-Ukraine talks: Who will attend? What will they discuss?
cgtn.com