And why every ceasefire attempt in the conflict so far has collapsed Diplomatic tensions are rising once again. Just days ago, the focus was on Moscow’s 80th anniversary Victory Day parade. Now, all eyes are suddenly on Istanbul, where direct talks between Russia and Ukraine – the first since the spring of 2022 – could take place as early as Thursday. The significance of these prospective talks has snowballed. What began with Russian President Vladimir Putin responding to a Western call for a