Russia and Ukraine Reopen Direct Peace Talks in Istanbul After Three Years

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Russia and Ukraine have resumed direct peace talks in Istanbul, marking the first face-to-face negotiations between the two nations since 2022. The high-level meeting, held on May 16, 2025, was facilitated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and included Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

Ukraine entered the talks with key demands, including an unconditional ceasefire, large-scale humanitarian measures, prisoner exchanges, and the return of Ukrainian children currently in Russia. Russia, in contrast, reiterated its position that Ukraine must adopt a neutral status and formally abandon its NATO membership aspirations. Notably, neither President Vladimir Putin nor President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in the talks. President Zelenskyy has expressed disappointment, citing a lack of genuine commitment from the Russian side.

Although U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was involved in preliminary discussions, the United States was not included in the formal negotiations due to objections raised by the Russian delegation. Despite low expectations for immediate breakthroughs, the Istanbul talks signal a renewed push by the international community to de-escalate the ongoing conflict.

The meeting took place amid heightened tensions, including recent Russian drone attacks on Kyiv and continued military advances. Meanwhile, European leaders gathered in Albania are considering additional sanctions against Russia. Pope Leo has also offered the Vatican as a neutral venue for future peace negotiations, urging all sides to continue dialogue.

While the resumption of talks is a positive development, major differences remain unresolved. The situation underscores the urgent need for sustained diplomatic engagement and broader international cooperation to bring an end to the war.