Russia says SBU airbase attacks to not derail tomorrow's talks
Photo: Russia says SBU attack did not derail Istanbul talks (Russian media)
The Russian delegation has assured that the large-scale SBU attack on airfields will not interfere with the talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on June 2, according to Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, as quoted by Russian media.
Fomin is a member of the Russian delegation for the talks in Istanbul, scheduled for Monday, June 2.
When asked whether the SBU’s attack would affect the negotiations, he said: "The talks will take place."
The Russian delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has already arrived in Türkiye. Upon arrival in Istanbul, Medinsky declined to answer journalists’ questions, including those about Ukraine’s attack. He said all comments would be made tomorrow.
Ukraine-Russia talks
On June 2, Istanbul will host the second round of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations. Moscow has pledged to present a so-called memorandum outlining its vision for a ceasefire.
Ukraine had requested that Russia submit its proposals before the meeting, but Moscow ignored the request.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved the composition of Ukraine’s delegation for the talks. It will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and include representatives from the President’s Office, the Foreign Ministry, the General Staff, the SBU, and the Foreign Intelligence Service.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will propose a full and unconditional ceasefire in Istanbul.
Ahead of the negotiations, the SBU carried out an unprecedented strike on Russian air bases. Four airfields were hit, damaging at least 41 aircraft, including Tu-95s, Tu-22M3s, and A-50s. More on the SSU’s special operation, Spiderweb, can be found in RBC-Ukraine’s report.
