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The Blame Game: Russia and Ukraine's Stalled Peace Efforts

Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange accusations over the faltering peace process, highlighting the complexities of resolving their ongoing conflict. Moscow has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of obstructing diplomacy, while Kyiv claims Russian President Vladimir Putin is determined to prolong the war.  The issue of Crimea remains a major sticking point, with Zelensky refusing to recognize the peninsula as part of Russia, a stance that has drawn criticism from various quarters. Meanwhile, Russia's recent missile and drone strikes on Kyiv have intensified tensions, leading Ukrainian officials to assert that Moscow's actions undermine peace efforts.  Both sides appear entrenched in their positions, with Russia demanding concessions and Ukraine insisting on a just peace. As the conflict drags on, the prospects for meaningful negotiations seem increasingly bleak.  !

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Thousands of Syrians Begin Journey Home from Turkey

 

Hundreds of Syrian refugees gathered at the Cilvegozu and Oncupinar border crossings in southern Turkey on Monday, eagerly awaiting their return home following the fall of President Bashar Assad’s government. Many arrived at the border gates at daybreak, wrapped in blankets and coats, some even setting up makeshift fires to keep warm.

Among the crowd was 28-year-old Muhammed Zin, who fled Damascus in 2016 and has been living in Istanbul. “Assad was shooting us, killing us,” he told the Associated Press. “I will return to Syria now. Thank God, the war is over,” he said.

Seer Ali, 18, who left Damascus six years ago, expressed similar sentiments. “We are very happy, very happy. Not just me, but everyone, all of us Syrians here are very happy,” he said. “Everyone will return, no one will stay here. They will all go to their families.”

Turkish officials have not disclosed the exact number of Syrians who have returned since Assad’s downfall. Authorities have set up checkpoints to ensure only those with proper documentation can advance to the border gate. The fall of Assad has sparked widespread joy among Turkey’s three million Syrian refugees, many of whom have taken to the streets to celebrate.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, “We will continue our efforts to ensure the safe and voluntary return of Syrians and to rebuild the country.”

As the first major wave of refugees begins their journey home, the future remains uncertain, but hope and excitement fill the air.




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