US EditionAnalysis-Istanbul Peace Talks Laid Bare Chasm Between Ukraine and Russia
- In May 2025, Russia and Ukraine held high-level peace talks in Istanbul, hosted by Turkey, aiming to address the ongoing war from Russia's 2022 invasion.
- The talks took place amid heightened tensions, with Russia insisting on Ukraine's withdrawal from four regions that Moscow claims as its own through unilateral annexation, although it does not have complete control over these areas.
- Negotiators promised a major prisoner swap involving a thousand prisoners and agreed in principle to future talks, though fundamental disagreements over a ceasefire persisted.
- A senior Ukrainian official described Russia's demands as 'detached from reality' and noted the outcome unfolded entirely as expected, reflecting entrenched positions on both sides.
- The fragile outcome placed emphasis on US President Trump, who signaled a necessity to meet Putin for progress, highlighting uncertain prospects for a ceasefire or peace deal.
19 Articles
19 Articles
A step forward or strategic ploy? Why Russia-Ukraine talks offer little real hope for a ceasefire
The first high level talks between Russia and Ukraine since the early months of Moscow's 2022 attack showed they are far from agreement on steps needed for a ceasefire, even though they promised a major swap of prisoners of war.
Negotiations Between the Delegations of Russia and Ukraine Took Place in Istanbul
Negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul for almost two hours, and according to the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Defence Minister Rustum Umerov, the parties discussed the ceasefire and the exchange of prisoners of war.
What the Talks in Istanbul Showed: The Gulf Between Ukraine and Russia
The negotiators' promises to release 1,000 prisoners of war, meet again for talks and present their vision for a ceasefire were "significant steps," said Peter Slezkine, senior fellow and director of the Russia program at the Stimson Center.
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