Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Istanbul on Monday for a fresh round of peace talks—just hours after one of the most devastating Ukrainian strikes since the war began. The high-stakes negotiations, held at the historic Ciragan Palace, are only the second time the two nations have formally sat down for talks in the three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The timing was remarkable. On Sunday, Ukraine launched a complex drone operation that destroyed or severely damaged dozens of Russian military aircraft across multiple airfields. According to a Ukrainian official, the operation was over a year in the making and targeted strategic Russian bombers and radar planes. The official claimed the assault hit 41 aircraft, including A-50 surveillance planes and Tu-95 and Tu-22M long-range bombers—key assets Russia has used to bombard Ukrainian cities.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the attack, saying five separate airfields were struck. The drones, reportedly transported across Russian territory hidden inside cargo trucks, evaded detection and unleashed coordinated strikes in the middle of the afternoon.

The Istanbul talks, hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, come amid this renewed chaos. Though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend, both nations sent senior-level delegations. Ukrainian representatives arrived in military fatigues, highlighting the ongoing war footing, while the Russian side appeared in business suits—a symbolic contrast that mirrored their opposing narratives on the war.

So far, few details about the discussions have emerged, and observers don’t expect public statements until the conclusion of the summit. Still, the meeting marks a rare diplomatic opening following a weekend filled with explosive developments—not just from the air.

On Saturday night, two railway bridges in Russia were sabotaged near the Ukrainian border. In Bryansk, a highway bridge was blown up just as a train carrying 388 passengers passed beneath it. Just four hours later, another blast struck a railway bridge in neighboring Kursk, scattering debris across a major roadway. While Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the bridge explosions, Russian investigators quickly labeled them acts of sabotage tied to the ongoing war.

These strikes appear to be part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to disrupt Russian logistics and apply pressure during sensitive political moments. The fact that Kyiv would greenlight such a bold airstrike just before peace talks suggests Ukraine is intent on negotiating from a position of strength.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin is under growing pressure as Ukrainian forces show new capabilities deep within Russian territory. The destruction of high-value bombers and surveillance aircraft not only weakens Russia’s offensive potential but also sends a signal: Ukraine can reach critical targets at will.

Though Turkey has hosted both sides before, the choice of Istanbul again reflects Ankara’s ambition to play mediator in a conflict that continues to reshape global alliances. Turkish officials hope this round of talks will yield more than vague commitments or paused offensives—but early signs suggest serious challenges remain.

Putin is still massing troops near Ukraine’s northern border, with reports estimating over 50,000 soldiers are poised for a potential new front. Trump administration officials have hinted at a willingness to facilitate additional discussions between Ukraine and Russia, though no formal date has been set.

For now, the world watches Istanbul. Sunday’s drone strike may have turned the tide militarily, but it also raised the diplomatic stakes. Whether the talks will cool the conflict or harden each side’s resolve remains to be seen.