Russia and Ukraine Officials Meet for First Direct Talks Since 2022

In a significant diplomatic development, Russian and Ukrainian officials have convened in Istanbul for their first direct peace talks since March 2022. The meeting, held at the historic Dolmabahce Palace, marks a renewed effort to address the ongoing conflict that has gripped Eastern Europe for over three years.

The negotiations come amid mounting international pressure, particularly from the United States, to seek a resolution to the war. However, expectations for a breakthrough remain low, as neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are attending the talks. Instead, mid-ranking officials from both nations are leading the.

The Russian delegation, headed by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, includes representatives from the defense and foreign ministries, as well as military intelligence. Ukraine’s team, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, consists of senior officials from its intelligence services and military command.

Ahead of the talks, Ukrainian officials emphasized their priority of securing an unconditional ceasefire, while Russia has reiterated its longstanding demands, including territorial concessions and Ukraine’s neutrality in global alliances. The absence of key decision-makers has led to skepticism about the potential outcomes, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that expectations for progress remain low.