On Saturday, the top diplomats of Russia and Ukraine exchanged accusations at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, highlighting the difficulties in negotiating an end to the ongoing conflict that has lasted for three years. The discussions took place a day after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to explore peace prospects, while Ukraine's European allies pledged billions of dollars in support to help Kyiv continue combatting Russia’s invasion.
Earlier, Russia and Ukraine had reached an agreement in principle to initiate a limited 30-day ceasefire, although conflicting statements regarding the ceasefire emerged following their talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. Both sides disagreed on the timing of the ceasefire and accused each other of breaching the agreement almost immediately. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Ukraine had continuously attacked Russia, stating that Moscow would share a list of these attacks with the U.S. and other international entities.
A Russian representative also claimed that Moscow has provided U.S. authorities with intelligence on over 60 alleged breaches of the ceasefire agreement by Ukraine. Lavrov insisted that Russia had adhered to the deal, while his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, countered that Russia had launched approximately 70 missile strikes, over 2,200 exploding drones, and more than 6,000 guided bombs targeting civilians since the ceasefire was agreed upon, asserting that this clearly indicates which side seeks peace.
The military situation remains precarious for Ukraine, as Russian forces reportedly hold the upper hand. Kyiv has raised concerns that Russia is planning a renewed offensive in the spring to increase pressure on Ukraine and improve its negotiating leverage. While Ukraine has endorsed a broader ceasefire proposal backed by the U.S., Russia has obstructed it by imposing challenging conditions, leading to accusations from European governments that President Putin is stalling negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed on social media that "Russia has to get moving" towards ending the war, describing the conflict as "terrible and senseless." Additionally, Lavrov emphasized that a proposed U.S.-backed agreement discussed in Saudi Arabia, aimed at ensuring safe navigation for commercial vessels in the Black Sea, could not be enforced until restrictions on Russia regarding shipping insurance, docking, and payment systems are lifted. While details of this deal remain undisclosed, it appears to be another attempt to facilitate safe shipping in the Black Sea following a previous U.N.-brokered agreement that was halted by Russia last year.
In a separate event, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the loss of a second F-16 fighter jet supplied by Western allies, with the pilot, 26-year-old Pavlo Ivanov, killed in action. This incident occurred while the jet was engaged in repelling a Russian missile strike. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended condolences to Ivanov’s family, expressing pride in the courage of Ukrainian soldiers and vowing a strong response to such losses. The Ukrainian Air Force noted that the first F-16 was destroyed in August 2023 after successfully intercepting three Russian missiles and a drone.
Meanwhile, in a tragic development, at least two civilians were reported killed in Ukraine’s Kherson region following drone attacks from Russian forces, according to local Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. This incident underscores the ongoing violence and the humanitarian crisis unfolding as the war continues.
