Russian and Ukrainian officials are set to meet on Monday in Istanbul to exchange proposals on ending the three-year war, Europe’s most devastating conflict since World War II.
The renewed diplomatic effort comes after Ukraine launched one of its most daring strikes on Russian territory, targeting strategic bombers stationed far from the front lines.
Prompted in part by U.S. President Donald Trump, Moscow and Kyiv have re-engaged in direct talks for the first time since the early months of the invasion. However, meaningful progress remains elusive.
The talks, taking place at 1:00 pm local time at Istanbul’s Ciragan Palace, follow last month’s initial round, where both parties agreed on a large-scale prisoner exchange and to share outlines of their peace visions. Russia’s delegation arrived late Sunday, while the Ukrainian team landed Monday morning.
Moscow plans to present a “memorandum” outlining its peace terms but declined to share its demands beforehand, despite Ukraine’s request. Both sides are still far apart on reaching an agreement, whether for a temporary truce or a more permanent resolution.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated Kyiv’s position ahead of the negotiations. “First–– a full and unconditional ceasefire. Second– the release of prisoners. Third–– the return of abducted children,” he stated on social media Sunday. Zelensky also urged a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing, “The key issues can only be resolved by the leaders.”
The Kremlin has dismissed the idea of a direct summit, insisting such talks are premature until the delegations reach broader agreements. Moscow continues to question Zelensky’s legitimacy and has repeatedly called for his removal.
Russia’s goals include addressing what it describes as the “root causes” of the war—phrasing often tied to its broader demands like restricting Ukraine’s military capabilities, preventing its NATO membership, and accepting significant territorial losses.
These conditions have been firmly rejected by both Kyiv and Western allies, who see Russia’s invasion as a clear act of imperial aggression.
Since the war began, tens of thousands have died, vast regions of eastern and southern Ukraine have been decimated, and millions have fled, resulting in Europe’s worst refugee crisis since the Second World War.
Russia’s chief negotiator in Istanbul is Vladimir Medinsky, a close aide to Putin known for his ideological hardline stance. Medinsky led the failed peace talks in 2022, authored schoolbooks justifying the war, and has publicly questioned Ukraine’s right to exist.
Ukraine’s team is headed by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, regarded as a capable negotiator despite recent domestic controversy surrounding allegations of misconduct.
Representatives from Germany, France, and the UK will also be present in Istanbul, closely coordinating with the Ukrainian delegation, according to a German government spokesperson.
Meanwhile, tensions on the battlefield have surged. Ukraine claimed responsibility for a successful strike that damaged around 40 Russian strategic bombers in a covert drone operation planned over 18 months.
These bombers, valued at roughly $7 billion, were parked deep inside Russian territory. Ukrainian intelligence reportedly smuggled drones into Russia and launched them from areas near the targeted airbases.
In contrast, Russian forces have been advancing in the northeastern Sumy region, where President Putin has ordered the creation of a “buffer zone” along the border. Moscow is also demanding that Ukraine sever ties with Western military support and relinquish control of key territories.
Kyiv continues to advocate for a full and unconditional ceasefire as a prerequisite for discussing a long-term settlement. Ukrainian officials acknowledge that regaining all occupied territory may ultimately depend on diplomacy rather than continued fighting.
Additionally, Ukraine is seeking firm, Western-backed security guarantees—such as NATO protections or the deployment of troops—which Russia has categorically rejected.
What you should know
Russia and Ukraine are holding high-stakes peace talks in Istanbul, driven by recent military escalations and international pressure.
While both sides remain far from a deal, Ukraine is demanding a full ceasefire and prisoner release, while Russia is pressing for demilitarization and territorial concessions.
