As diplomatic pressure from the West intensifies, Russian and Ukrainian officials are set to meet once again — this time in Istanbul — for a fresh round of peace negotiations. However, both sides appear to be managing expectations, with Russian officials warning that any progress is likely to be slow and challenging.
🇷🇺 Kremlin: Talks Will Be “Very Difficult”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the Russian delegation is en route to Istanbul for the talks. "No one is expecting an easy road," Peskov told reporters, adding that the discussions are expected to be tough.
These talks mark the third round in recent months, following a proposal by Ukraine and pressure from the United States to find a path toward a ceasefire. However, it’s been more than seven weeks since any meaningful negotiations occurred, and few are optimistic about a breakthrough.
🇺🇦 Ukraine Ready to Push for Ceasefire
According to diplomatic sources, Ukrainian representatives have already arrived in Ankara to meet with Turkish officials ahead of the Istanbul meeting. Ukraine is reportedly open to taking “significant steps” toward a ceasefire and broader peace framework.
The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. On the Russian side, presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky is returning as the lead negotiator — a choice previously criticized by Kyiv for lacking real decision-making power.
What’s on the Table?
Both delegations are expected to revisit proposals outlined in previous draft memorandums. While no formal ceasefire is anticipated, issues such as prisoner exchanges and the return of fallen soldiers’ remains will be key agenda items.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s priorities in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that their goal is to secure the return of captives and abducted children, stop further bloodshed, and lay the groundwork for a potential summit between him and President Vladimir Putin.
Small Wins, No Big Moves
Past negotiation rounds have achieved limited success, such as prisoner swaps and returning bodies, but they’ve failed to address deeper issues like Russia’s demand that Ukraine cede occupied territories and end all military cooperation with Western allies.
While expectations remain low, both sides seem committed to keeping communication channels open. “Even if we don't achieve major agreements, the dialogue itself is crucial,” said one Kyiv-based analyst.
Focus on Abducted Children
Ukraine is expected to raise the issue of Ukrainian children taken from occupied territories — a topic that has drawn international concern. Ukrainian officials have claimed some of these children have been held in Russia since before the full-scale invasion began.
Fighting Goes On
Meanwhile, heavy combat continues along the front lines. Russia's military claimed on Wednesday that its forces had taken control of Varachyne, a village near the Ukrainian border in the Sumy region. President Putin has recently stated his goal of establishing a "buffer zone" in that area.
In other developments, a 66-year-old woman was reportedly killed in a Russian shelling attack in Kherson. Two teenagers were also injured in the overnight violence, according to local authorities. The Ukrainian Air Force announced that it intercepted 45 out of 71 drones launched by Russia in a recent attack.
"Edited and published by Veritas Global News to maintain accuracy and originality"
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