Russia and Ukraine Resume Peace Talks Despite Rising Tensions

Russian and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Istanbul for their second direct peace talks since 2022, despite persistent hostilities and no clear path to a resolution. The meeting comes just a day after Ukraine launched strikes on Russian nuclear-capable bombers, escalating tensions.

Both delegations aim to outline proposals for a possible ceasefire and long-term peace plan. Russia has received Ukraine’s draft peace memorandum, while it remains unclear if Kyiv has received Moscow’s version. Ukraine's Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, will lead Kyiv’s delegation, and Vladimir Medinsky will represent Russia.

The previous round of talks, held on May 16, resulted in the largest prisoner swap of the conflict, with 1,000 detainees freed on each side. However, neither side shifted from its core positions. Kyiv views Russia’s approach as an effort to force surrender—something it firmly rejects. Meanwhile, Moscow insists peace must be on Russian terms, warning Ukraine could lose more territory otherwise.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking from Lithuania, emphasized Kyiv's priorities: a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the release of more prisoners. He expressed openness to direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin when the moment is right. Ukrainian sources indicated they are ready to make meaningful compromises if Russia demonstrates genuine willingness to move forward.

Ukraine has coordinated with Germany, Italy, and the UK ahead of the talks, while U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg confirmed American involvement alongside British, French, and German representatives. The discussions will be chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Despite hopes for progress, the mood in Russia is grim. Influential military bloggers have demanded harsh retaliation for Ukraine’s strike on Russian bombers. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 472 drones overnight, the highest single-day total of the war.

Putin originally proposed direct talks after rejecting ceasefire calls from Ukraine and Europe. Last year, he demanded that Ukraine renounce NATO membership and withdraw from four regions partially occupied by Russia. A Ukrainian roadmap obtained by Reuters shows Kyiv will reject Russian sovereignty over occupied areas, demand reparations, and maintain full military capabilities post-peace deal.

Currently, Russia controls nearly 20% of Ukraine, an area roughly the size of the U.S. state of Ohio. The war, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022 after years of conflict in eastern Ukraine, has resulted in more than 1.2 million casualties, according to U.S. estimates.

Although former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized both Putin and Zelenskyy, he maintains that peace is achievable and warns of tougher sanctions if Russia stalls negotiations.