What Putin and Zelensky’s meeting in 2019 tells us about the fate of peace talks - Even though neither leader met in the Istanbul summits, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky have met before

With a long-range drone strike deep inside Russia, Ukraine sends a clear message ahead of Istanbul peace talks: we are ready to keep fighting if Moscow insists on total victory.

Zelensky described the June 2 negotiations with Russia in Istanbul as a “political performance” and “artificial diplomacy”, reported AP.

Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of “resorting to terrorism,” blaming President Zelensky for deadly attacks on civilians, including a bridge blast and train derailment that killed seven and injured over 100.

Zora Bennett leads a team of skilled operatives to the most dangerous place on Earth, an island research facility for the original Jurassic Park. PM Modi to unravel world's tallest rail bridge on Chenab, flag off train from Kashmir to Kanyakumari

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, ahead of inaugurating the iconic Chenab Railway Bridge. At Katra Railway Station, he also interacted with school children aboard the train, marking a significant moment for rail connectivity in Jammu Kashmir.

The belligerent language and the recent strikes make clear that a wide gap separates Ukraine and Russia, even as their officials have been engaged in direct talks.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine responded to Donald Trump's post about his call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. — Ukrinform.