After a three-year freeze, Moscow and Kiev meet again in Türkiye, with the world watching and the path to peace uncertain.
Istanbul, Türkiye| For the first time since April 2022, Russian and Ukrainian delegations have reconvened for direct peace talks, signaling a potential shift in the trajectory of Europe’s most devastating conflict since World War II.
The negotiations, taking place at the historic Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, are unfolding amid intense international scrutiny, conflicting expectations, and lingering distrust.
A Tentative Return to the Table
This week’s negotiations mark a rare moment of direct engagement between Moscow and Kiev, whose last formal meeting collapsed three years ago in the same city.
At that time, Russia accused Ukraine of reneging on a near-finalized deal under Western pressure, particularly from then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Ukraine, meanwhile, cited Russia’s continued aggression and shifting demands as justification for walking away.
Now, with battlefield fatigue, economic strain, and shifting global alliances reshaping the strategic landscape, both sides have agreed—reluctantly—to revisit diplomacy.
Why Now?
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who initiated the renewed overture, framed the talks as an effort to “eliminate the root causes of the conflict.”
According to Kremlin officials, Putin’s decision followed an extraordinary meeting of Russia’s National Security Council, involving senior figures such as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, and military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has long ruled out direct negotiations with Moscow, reversed course following intense diplomatic pressure from Washington.
President Donald Trump, in a bold statement, urged Kiev to accept Russia’s offer of talks “immediately” and suggested he might travel to Istanbul if there were “real progress.”
Although Zelenskyy has refused to personally attend, he cited respect for Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as reasons for sending a delegation.
The Players
Russia’s delegation is led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, who also spearheaded the 2022 talks. He is joined by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, and General Igor Kostyukov, head of Russia’s military intelligence.
Supporting them are experts from the defense, foreign affairs, and presidential offices—signaling Moscow’s intent to approach the talks with a blend of political, military, and humanitarian perspectives.
Ukraine’s delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, was confirmed only hours before the scheduled start. While initially ambivalent, Kiev ultimately agreed to participate following consultations with US and European allies.
According to Zelenskyy, the delegation’s primary goal is to discuss a ceasefire, though he has categorically ruled out recognition of any Russian territorial gains, reiterating that “Crimea is Ukraine.”
Notably absent from the talks are both Putin and Zelensky. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin will not travel to Istanbul, and US officials clarified that Trump has no concrete plans to attend despite earlier hints.
This lack of top-level presence has drawn criticism from Kiev, which questioned the seriousness of Moscow’s intentions.
Western Shadows and Strategic Stakes
The negotiations come against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics. The EU recently delayed the formal approval of a new sanctions package against Russia, reportedly influenced by the Istanbul talks.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Washington is open to “any mechanism” that produces a “just peace.”
European powers, including France, Germany, and the UK, have called for a temporary ceasefire, while some, like Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, view the talks as a litmus test of Putin’s sincerity.
British national security adviser Jonathan Powell has reportedly advised Zelenskyy not to alienate Trump, but rather leverage the US president’s influence to increase pressure on Moscow.
Still, skepticism abounds. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed NATO’s calls for Russian concessions, arguing that “truth and initiative” rest with Moscow.
Russian officials continue to accuse the West of undermining previous peace efforts, pointing to Ukraine’s 2022 withdrawal as evidence of external manipulation.
On the other side, Ukraine has expressed disappointment with the Russian delegation’s composition.
Presidential aide Mikhail Podoliak questioned whether Medinsky was qualified to engage on “fundamental issues,” suggesting that only direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy could yield real progress.
Fragile Optimism, Real Risks
The stakes in Istanbul are immense. After years of brutal warfare, tens of thousands of casualties, and economic upheaval, a comprehensive peace deal remains elusive.
Deep distrust and incompatible narratives persist. Ukraine insists on full territorial integrity, while Russia demands recognition of new borders and “security guarantees.”
Yet, there are signs of pragmatic calculation on both sides. Russia, facing renewed Western sanctions and military attrition, may seek a pause or diplomatic legitimacy.
Ukraine, constrained by resource fatigue and reliant on foreign aid, might explore a ceasefire that buys time without conceding sovereignty.
Even if these talks fail to yield a breakthrough, they represent an inflection point in the war.
The mere fact of negotiation—however delayed, partial, or precarious—suggests a growing recognition that neither side can achieve a total victory on the battlefield.
Looking Ahead
As the delegations gather in Istanbul, the path to peace remains narrow and fraught with peril. Much will depend on what is discussed behind closed doors—and whether this round of talks can succeed where previous efforts have failed.
For now, the world watches and waits, hoping that dialogue may yet triumph over destruction.
This report is part of an ongoing special coverage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and international diplomacy. For continuous updates, analysis, and expert commentary, stay with us.
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