Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Resume in Istanbul
**As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine persists, representatives from both nations reconvened in Istanbul after a 17-day hiatus. Under Turkey’s auspices, the discussions are being held at the historic Çırağan Palace. Leading the meeting is Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, accompanied by National Intelligence Organization President İbrahim Kalın and Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak.**
The peace negotiations commenced with an address from Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. In his remarks, he expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by both sides, stating, “After our initial meeting, we laid the groundwork for today’s discussions by visiting Kyiv and Moscow on the instructions of our President. Thank you for your commitment to producing results on May 16.” Fidan reiterated the importance of establishing clear positions regarding a potential ceasefire.
As the dialogue progressed, Turkey’s role as a mediator was underscored by Fidan’s statement about the trust both countries place in Ankara. He emphasized, “We are prepared to facilitate any necessary steps, as the trust these two neighboring countries have in Turkey is invaluable. The entire world is watching the critical discussions taking place here.”
Stalemate on Ceasefire Demands
The Russian delegation is spearheaded by Kremlin advisor Vladimir Medinskiy, whereas Ukraine’s representatives are led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Both parties maintained their previous stances, with Ukraine insisting on an “unconditional and complete ceasefire” alongside demands for prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of children taken to Russia. Prior to the talks, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgency for dialogue while reiterating the need for additional sanctions against Russia should negotiations falter.
Conversely, Russia firmly rejected the notion of an unconditional ceasefire, insisting that Western nations halt arms supplies to Ukraine as a precondition. Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vasiliy Nebenzya, highlighted these demands, stating they will be formally presented during the talks. However, Ukraine had not received advance notice of these terms.
Significant Prisoner Exchange Achieved
The preliminary round of negotiations yielded one significant outcome: a mutual prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals, marking the largest such move since the onset of the conflict. This exchange was executed as planned, reflecting a notable step towards cooperation amid ongoing hostilities.
The trilateral meeting aimed at resolving the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine commenced in Istanbul amidst these developments, highlighting Turkey’s proactive role in facilitating dialogue.
A Surge in Hostilities
The Istanbul talks followed Ukraine’s largest cross-border drone attack since the war began, known as “Pavutyna (Spider Web).” In this operation, Ukrainian forces claimed to have targeted 41 strategic bombers stationed at Russian air bases, with damages estimated at over $7 billion. According to Ukrainian sources, 117 small drones were stealthily infiltrated into Russian territory utilizing truck compartments.
In response to these military escalations, President Zelensky stressed the necessity of pressure through sanctions, military actions, and diplomatic efforts. This attack occurred just before the peace talks, underscoring the fraught environment in which negotiations unfolded.
Global Reactions to the Negotiations
Internationally, reactions to the Istanbul meetings have been cautiously optimistic. Matthias Miersch, Chairman of the Parliamentary Group of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), described the discussions as a chance to re-engage in diplomacy. While the United States proposed continuing negotiations in the Vatican, Turkey emerged as a consensual venue acceptable to both parties.
In terms of future possibilities, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed the nation’s readiness to host further discussions despite the absence of an immediate ceasefire. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also announced their intention to engage in subsequent talks in Istanbul.
Turkey’s Historical Mediation Role
Demonstrating its diplomatic leverage, Turkey successfully convened both Russian and Ukrainian leaders on multiple occasions since the onset of the war in February 2022. In May 2025, Turkey again facilitated a meeting in Istanbul, enabling both delegations to negotiate amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict.
Encouragingly, at a previous meeting on May 16 at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office in Istanbul, both nations approved a significant prisoner exchange agreement – 1,000 for 1,000. They also committed to detailed discussions regarding potential ceasefire conditions, with these negotiations continuing thereafter. The exchange agreed upon during these discussions was successfully executed by May 25.
