Direct peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul concluded on 16 May after approximately 1.5 hours, marking the first face-to-face meeting since 2022.
While Turkey, acting as mediator, described the discussions as aimed at ending the war, no significant progress was reported. Both sides agreed to a temporary pause, with Ukraine clarifying the talks should not be seen as a continuation of the process halted in 2022.
Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky stated Moscow was “generally satisfied” and open to further dialogue, highlighting a planned “1,000-for-1,000” prisoner exchange in the coming days.
Ukraine, however, dismissed Russia’s demands as “unrealistic,” accusing Moscow of insisting on territorial concessions, including withdrawal from four regions, as a precondition for a ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a summit in Tirana, urged Western allies to impose stricter sanctions on Russian energy firms and banks if negotiations collapse. He criticised Russia for sending a delegation without a “real mandate,” reiterating that Ukraine remains open to genuine peace talks.
The US and EU expressed scepticism ahead of the talks, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio noting the Russian delegation’s “second-tier” status dampened hopes for breakthroughs. Earlier, Washington hinted that meaningful progress would require direct engagement between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, though neither leader attended the Istanbul meeting.
Turkish officials indicated further rounds could follow, but Kyiv insists any continuation depends on Russia revising its stance.
The Istanbul talks echoed failed 2022 negotiations, where disputes over security guarantees and territorial recognition scuttled a draft agreement. Current demands, including Ukraine’s neutrality and Russia’s territorial claims, remain unresolved, underscoring the entrenched positions driving the conflict.
