Russia and Ukraine are set to hold a second round of direct peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, their first since 2022. Despite diplomatic efforts, both sides remain deeply divided on ending the war, even as military clashes intensify.
The first round of talks in May led to the largest prisoner swap of the war but made no progress toward a ceasefire. This time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will lead Ukraine’s delegation, alongside senior military and intelligence officials. Russia will be represented by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged both nations to reach a peace agreement, warning that the U.S. may withdraw support if talks stall. Trump's envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated that both parties will present draft peace proposals. Western representatives from France, Germany, and the U.K. are expected to attend, though the level of U.S. participation remains unclear.
Ukraine's peace proposal reportedly includes maintaining its military strength, rejecting Russian sovereignty over occupied territories, and demanding reparations. Negotiations are expected to use current front lines as the territorial starting point. Meanwhile, Russia still controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, roughly 113,000 square kilometers.
President Vladimir Putin had previously demanded Ukraine withdraw from Russian-held territories and abandon NATO aspirations. However, Kyiv says it is still waiting for a formal peace draft from Moscow.
The ongoing conflict escalated Sunday, with Ukraine targeting Russian bombers in Siberia and Russia launching a record 472 drones overnight. The war, which began in 2022 after years of regional conflict, has resulted in over 1.2 million casualties.
While both sides prepare for talks, hopes for an immediate resolution remain slim amid continued hostilities and starkly opposing demands.