Kremlin Downplays Breakthrough in Upcoming Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

The Kremlin has expressed skepticism about the potential for breakthroughs in the upcoming third round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, cautioning against expecting any 'miracles' given the current situation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed holding these negotiations in Turkey this week to accelerate discussions toward a ceasefire and the release of captives, including abducted children. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia intends to continue pursuing its interests and objectives without committing to a timeline for a peace agreement, citing the complexity of negotiations and the need for further work before any high-level meetings. The talks, expected to take place in Istanbul, follow previous rounds that achieved limited progress, such as prisoner exchanges, but no ceasefire. Ukrainian officials have appointed Rustem Umerov to lead their delegation, while Russia has not yet announced its team. Meanwhile, ongoing hostilities continue, with reports of civilian casualties, including the death of a 10-year-old boy in Kramatorsk due to Russian attacks.