Russia and Ukraine Meet in Istanbul for Peace Talks

Russian and Ukrainian delegations are meeting in Istanbul today for renewed peace negotiations, marking the most significant diplomatic encounter since the early months of the war, which began in February 2022.

The Dolmabahçe Presidential Office is hosting the talks, but the spotlight remains on the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Türkiye, he will not join the talks directly. Instead, Zelensky is holding a separate high-level meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara.

Putin Sends Delegation, Avoids Table

Responding to European calls for a 30-day ceasefire, President Putin agreed to reengage in Istanbul-format talks but declined to attend personally. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin would not be joining the delegation, nor would any cabinet-level officials.

Zelensky had publicly invited Putin to the table, stating he would be “waiting in Istanbul.” However, in Putin’s absence, Zelensky chose not to attend the negotiations directly.

Western Powers Urge Putin to Engage

At the NATO Informal Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Antalya, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged Putin to return to negotiations, stating:

“Putin must realize he’s pushed too far. The world is watching—only Russia’s chair is empty at the table.”

Wadephul noted Zelensky’s willingness to engage and emphasized Europe’s readiness to impose further sanctions if Russia avoids serious peace efforts. He also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with both agreeing on a coordinated stance.

Erdoğan-Zelensky Meeting Begins in Ankara

While the Russian delegation arrives in Istanbul, Zelensky is in Ankara for a closed-door meeting with Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex. Sources say the outcome of that meeting may influence Ukraine’s position in the peace process.

Russia Confirms Readiness for Talks

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed Moscow’s readiness to negotiate, stating:

“Our delegation has arrived in Istanbul and is prepared for serious discussions.”

She reiterated Putin’s May 11 call to return to peace talks as part of a long-term strategy for a negotiated settlement.

The Russian team is led by Vladimir Medinskiy, Putin’s advisor who also led the 2022 talks. The delegation includes:

• Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin

• Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin

• Military Intelligence Chief Igor Kostyukov

• Senior legal and strategic experts

Moscow is expected to push for Ukraine’s demilitarization and territorial concessions in occupied regions—terms Kyiv has consistently rejected in favor of full territorial integrity.

Markets React to Uncertainty

Ahead of the talks, Russian financial markets opened lower:

• MOEX Index dropped 1.78%

• RTS Index fell 1.81%

• The ruble weakened to 81.01 against the U.S. dollar
  Ukraine’s PFTS stock exchange remains closed.

EU Prepares More Sanctions

Despite cautiously high expectations from the European Union, the bloc approved a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow oil fleet. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are closely monitoring developments.

Outlook

While the immediate goal of the Istanbul talks is a temporary ceasefire, both sides remain far apart on core demands. The international community is watching closely to see if this marks the beginning of genuine peace negotiations or another missed opportunity.