Russia has cautioned against optimism as a third round of direct peace talks with Ukraine is set to take place in Istanbul on Wednesday. The Kremlin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said there was “no reason to expect any breakthroughs in the category of miracles,” reflecting the ongoing lack of common ground between the two sides. The talks follow President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and despite international pressure – including from the United States – hopes remain slim for meaningful progress.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his willingness to meet Putin face-to-face to expedite negotiations. Speaking ahead of the summit, he outlined Kyiv’s agenda, which includes the return of prisoners of war, the repatriation of abducted Ukrainian children, and preparations for a meeting between the two countries’ leaders. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine “never wanted this war” and that it is Russia’s responsibility to bring the conflict it started to an end.
The previous Istanbul talks in May and June resulted in prisoner exchanges and the return of soldiers’ remains, but no concrete steps towards peace. While Ukraine has accepted the proposal of an unconditional ceasefire ahead of broader negotiations, Russia has refused, demanding concessions first. These include Ukraine relinquishing occupied territories, abandoning its NATO ambitions, reducing its armed forces, and recognising Russian as an official language – demands Kyiv and its Western allies have flatly rejected.
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In the run-up to the latest talks, both sides have continued military operations. Ukrainian officials reported Russian strikes across three regions, resulting in the death of a child and dozens of injuries. Meanwhile, Moscow claimed its forces had taken control of a village in Donetsk and shot down multiple Ukrainian drones over several areas, including the capital. With both nations firmly entrenched in their positions, the likelihood of a breakthrough in Istanbul remains uncertain.
