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Russia and Ukraine Trade Accusations at Turkey Diplomacy Forum Amid Ceasefire Dispute
Top diplomats from Russia and Ukraine convened at a high-level conference in Turkey on Saturday, exchanging accusations of breaching a tentative U.S.-brokered agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. This exchange underscores the persistent difficulties in negotiating an end to the ongoing conflict, now in its third year. The discussions occurred at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, highlighting the deep divisions and fragile state of negotiations between the two nations.
Diplomatic Engagements and Aid Pledges
The foreign ministers addressed separate sessions at the annual Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a day following a meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning potential peace resolutions. Concurrently, Ukraine‘s European allies pledged billions in financial aid to support Kyiv in its continued resistance against Russia‘s invasion.
Conflicting Accounts of Ceasefire Agreement
Despite both Moscow and Kyiv agreeing in principle last month to a limited, 30-day ceasefire, conflicting statements emerged shortly after separate discussions with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. Disagreements arose regarding the commencement time for the cessation of strikes, and both sides alleged immediate violations by the other.
Russia’s Allegations of Ukrainian Attacks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted, “The Ukrainians have been attacking us from the very outset, continuously, with only minor exceptions.” He indicated that Moscow would furnish the U.S., Turkey, and international organizations with a record of Kyiv’s purported attacks over the preceding three weeks.
Moscow Claims Intelligence Sharing with U.S.
A representative from the Russian Foreign Ministry separately informed state media on Saturday that Moscow had shared intelligence with the U.S. detailing over 60 alleged violations of the tentative agreement by Kyiv.
Lavrov Insists on Russian Adherence to Terms
Lavrov maintained on Saturday that Russia had upheld its commitments under the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
Ukraine Denies Russian Claims, Cites Extensive Attacks
His Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, vehemently refuted this assertion, stating that Russia had launched “almost 70 missiles, over 2,200 exploding drones, and over 6,000 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine, predominantly targeting civilians” since the limited pause on strikes was agreed upon.
Ukraine’s Perspective on Peace and War
“This clearly demonstrates to the international community who is pursuing peace and who is instigating war,” Sybiha declared, emphasizing Kyiv’s position in the ongoing conflict.
Escalating Tensions and Anticipated Offensive
Russian forces currently possess a military advantage in Ukraine, and Kyiv has issued warnings that Moscow is planning a renewed spring offensive to intensify pressure and strengthen its negotiating stance.
Stalled Broader Ceasefire Proposal
Ukraine has supported a broader U.S. ceasefire proposal, but Russia has effectively obstructed it by imposing extensive preconditions. European governments have criticized Putin for perceived delays in progressing towards peace.
U.S. Calls for Progress on Ending War
“Russia has to get moving” toward ending the war, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media Friday, describing the conflict as “terrible and senseless.”
Black Sea Shipping Agreement Remains Stalled
Lavrov reiterated on Saturday that a potential U.S.-backed arrangement to guarantee safe passage for commercial ships in the Black Sea, also discussed in Saudi Arabia, could not be implemented until restrictions on Russian access to shipping insurance, docking facilities, and international payment systems are lifted.
Previous Black Sea Initiative
While specifics of the prospective agreement were not disclosed, it appeared to represent another attempt to secure safe Black Sea shipping following a 2022 agreement brokered by the U.N. and Turkey, which was subsequently suspended by Russia the following year.
Ukraine Loses Second F-16 Fighter Jet
Ukraine‘s air force announced the loss of a second F-16 fighter jet supplied by Western allies, and the death of its 26-year-old pilot, Pavlo Ivanov.
Details of F-16 Crash
Ukraine‘s General Staff reported that the F-16 crashed while intercepting a Russian missile attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed condolences to Ivanov’s family on Saturday, affirming, “We are proud of our soldiers. We will deliver a strong and fitting response.”
Previous F-16 Loss
Ukraine reported the downing of its first F-16 in August, stating it occurred after intercepting three Russian missiles and a drone.
F-16s Supplied by Western Nations
Since last July, Ukraine has received multiple deliveries of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands, with U.S. authorization. The total number supplied remains undisclosed.
Civilian Casualties in Southern Ukraine
Separately, Russian drones resulted in the deaths of at least two civilians in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region on Saturday, according to local Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. This incident underscores the continued human cost of the ongoing conflict.