(FYI the Swiss train line SBB has had extreme vandalism in Lausanne will not be operational for 24hrs which effects trains into Geneva "allegedly" which may effect traffic flows into Geneva..)
🇷🇺✈️🇨🇭The Russian delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky has departed for talks in Geneva.
Some media outlets reported that Washington helped secure clearance for the Russian flight through European airspace, despite the EU ban on Russian aircraft. However, according to FlightRadar, the Russian government Il-96-300 is taking a southern route, avoiding most EU airspace.
Since the plane departed this evening and some reports say the delegation will arrive tomorrow morning, the longer route makes sense.
Any flight over EU territory carries obvious risks. A provocation — such as an attempt to target the aircraft to derail negotiations and eliminate any chance of a settlement — cannot be ruled out. There are plenty of actors who would benefit from sabotaging the talks.
That said, the aircraft will eventually have to cross EU and NATO airspace, likely over Italy or France — far safer than flying over the schizophrenic Baltic chihuahuas or butthurt Poland.
This is the first time since the start of the Special Military Operation that such a senior Russian delegation — reportedly including the head of the GRU — is flying over EU and NATO territory (excluding Turkey).
https://x.com/i/status/2023515399036473461
'Medinsky's presence at the negotiations in Geneva was perceived as an alarming signal in Ukraine. Medinsky irritates Ukrainians with his tough stance and warnings that Russia is ready to conduct military operations indefinitely' - The New York Times.
https://x.com/i/status/2023646148691472555
'Ukraine should sit down at the negotiating table' - Trump is getting irritated by Zelensky's disagreement with a peace deal in the spirit of Anchorage.
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Negotiations on Ukraine with Whitcoff and Kushner are scheduled in Geneva. What do you expect?
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We will have serious negotiations. It will be simple. Listen, it's better for Ukraine to sit down at the negotiating table as soon as possible - that's what I'll tell you. We want them to sit down at the negotiating table.
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SK
https://x.com/i/status/2023646283462856850
