Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Fail Amidst Devastating Overnight Attacks

Amidst Renewed Attacks, Ukraine and Russia Hold Peace Talks in Istanbul On June 2nd, 2025, a second round of peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul, Turkey. This meeting followed a night of intense attacks from both sides. Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack targeting numerous Russian air bases deep inside Russia's territory, an operation dubbed "Spiderweb". While there were no reported casualties among military or civilian personnel, Ukraine estimates the damage to be approximately $7 billion. Russia also carried out attacks on Ukraine, launching 80 drones and four missiles, causing significant damage in Kharkiv. At least six people, including a seven-year-old child, were injured in the Kharkiv attacks. One missile landed near a school, shattering windows and damaging a high-rise building. These attacks occurred just hours before the peace talks began in Istanbul. Despite the ongoing conflict, delegations from both countries resumed negotiations. However, the talks concluded without a significant breakthrough or agreement on a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, currently in Lithuania for meetings with Ukraine's allies, announced his expectation for a further exchange of prisoners of war and called for increased sanctions against Russia to pressure President Putin into peace negotiations. "Sanctions against Russia are necessary," Zelenskyy stated. "It's important to seriously limit Russia's oil trade and its use of tankers. Sanctions, including secondary ones, tariffs, and price caps, can work and push Russia toward peace. Without pressure, Putin will just keep playing games with everyone who wants this war to end."