Russia and Ukraine Initiate Peace Talks in Istanbul

Direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are set to commence in Istanbul, marking the first such discussions since spring 2022. The Russian delegation, led by Wladimir Medinski, has urged Ukrainian representatives to attend the talks scheduled for 10:00 AM local time. Medinski expressed the Russian side's willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

The Ukrainian delegation is headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerow, appointed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after it became evident that discussions at the presidential level would not take place. Zelenskyy had traveled to Ankara earlier, prepared to move to Istanbul should President Vladimir Putin attend. However, Putin opted to stay away from the meeting, resulting in lower-ranking officials representing both sides.

Originally slated for Thursday, the talks were postponed to Friday. Medinski emphasized that the Russian team arrived in Istanbul prepared for bilateral discussions without preconditions. The potential for a four-way meeting involving representatives from the USA, Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey remains uncertain. The U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has tempered expectations, indicating that significant progress may hinge on direct engagement between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.

On Thursday evening, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reportedly met with the Russian delegation at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul. Russian officials indicated they had waited in vain for their Ukrainian counterparts throughout the day.

The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed criticisms regarding the format of the negotiations, asserting that the experts sent represent the highest qualifications. Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that these specialists are equipped to address all pertinent issues, including international law and the current situation on the ground.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy previously characterized the Russian delegation as second-rate and had repeatedly called for Putin's presence at the discussions, a request that went unheeded. Medinski, the chief negotiator, has been viewed as lacking significant political influence, having participated in previous talks that did not yield results shortly after the conflict began in 2022.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the respect of Ukraine's territorial integrity ahead of the negotiations. He underscored that a just peace must adhere to the principles outlined in the UN Charter, international law, and Ukraine's territorial rights, stating that failure to uphold these principles could lead to further global conflicts. Nonetheless, Guterres expressed cautious optimism regarding ongoing peace efforts, suggesting that a ceasefire without preconditions could pave the way for a fair resolution.

Despite the diplomatic efforts, fighting continues unabated in Ukraine. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, its military has captured two additional settlements in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that one of these areas has come under Russian bombardment. Independent verification of the conflicting reports from both sides regarding the ongoing clashes has not been possible.