Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine convened in Istanbul on Friday, marking the first face-to-face peace discussions in more than three years.
Live updates from Turkish television showed the representatives engaging in talks with Turkish officials, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressing the room at the meeting’s outset.
Taking place at the Dolmabahce Palace, this meeting indicates a rare moment of potential diplomatic progress, as both sides had not met directly since March 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion began.
Expectations for significant advancements were dimmed even further when Trump stated on Thursday that he wouldn’t act without first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump shared plans to complete his tour of the Middle East before returning to Washington for discussions with Russian leaders, “as soon as they can set it up.”
Kyiv is seeking an immediate ceasefire
The Ukrainian delegation’s leader emphasized that peace hinges on Russia agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire, the return of a Ukrainian child who was accused, and the exchange of all prisoners.
Russia has expressed a desire to conclude the conflict through diplomacy and is open to discussions about a ceasefire. However, Ukraine has raised several concerns, asserting that a temporary pause could be used to regroup its forces, mobilize additional troops, and acquire more Western weaponry.
Ukraine and its allies have accused Putin of dragging his feet, suggesting he isn’t genuinely interested in achieving peace.
While Putin initially suggested a meeting in Turkey, he opted not to meet Ukrainian President Voldy Milzelensky in person, instead dispatching mid-level officials, prompting Ukraine to respond with negotiators of a similar rank.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, were present in Istanbul, engaging in separate discussions on the same day.
Rubio conveyed to reporters on Thursday evening that he doubted a significant breakthrough was imminent, given the caliber of the negotiating teams involved.
“I hope I’m wrong. I sincerely hope I’m 100% wrong. I hope I wake up tomorrow to news that they’ve agreed to a ceasefire and are serious about negotiations. But honestly, this is my take,” he remarked.
On the same day, Russia announced the capture of another village in a gradual offensive in eastern Ukraine. Shortly before the Istanbul talks commenced, Ukrainian media reported air raid alerts and explosions in Dnipro city.
