The representatives from Ukraine and Russia gathered in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday, with the second round of peace negotiations officially underway, according to the TASS news agency.
While the Ukrainian delegation is headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, the Russian side has presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky as the lead negotiator. The discussions are being held at the Ciragan Palace (pictured). According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is chairing the meeting, with Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Director Ibrahim Kalin said to be on the attendance list as well.
Amid all of this, Kiev and Moscow continued to exchange fire on the battlefield and launched drone attacks against each other. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been in the spotlight for weeks, as European leaders continue to insist that he is not sincere about reaching a potential ceasefire and peace deal.
