By Istanbul, Turkey — The second round of direct peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine concluded on Monday in Istanbul, lasting less than an hour and yielding no significant breakthroughs toward ending the ongoing war. Although the two sides managed to reach an agreement on a substantial prisoner exchange, fundamental disagreements persist, particularly regarding ceasefire conditions and territorial claims.
According to sources cited by Russian state media, the Russian delegation presented a set of firm preconditions for halting hostilities. These include Ukraine surrendering significant additional territories, curbing the size of its military forces, and permanently forgoing any aspirations to join military alliances such as NATO. Moscow’s demands also include formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over regions it currently occupies.
The Russian delegation, headed by Vladimir Medinsky, also suggested implementing a temporary ceasefire along selected parts of the front line. The proposed truce would last for two to three days, although no specific sectors or timelines were disclosed. Medinsky noted that military experts from both countries would coordinate the logistics if Kyiv agrees to the proposal.
Key Conditions from Russia
Among the list of demands reportedly tabled by the Russian negotiators were:
- Ukraine’s formal recognition of Russian control over Crimea, annexed in 2014.
- Acceptance of the independence and Russian sovereignty over the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
- A constitutional ban on Ukraine joining any military coalitions in the future.
- Demobilization of large segments of the Ukrainian military.
- Russian to be granted status as an official language within Ukraine.
- Lifting of all international sanctions currently imposed on Russia.
These stipulations highlight the Kremlin’s unchanged objectives in the conflict, despite international calls for a peaceful resolution. Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no willingness to scale back the goals of the invasion, which began in February 2022.
Ukraine’s Response and Ceasefire Demands
Ukraine, represented by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, reaffirmed its insistence on a full and unconditional ceasefire lasting at least 30 days. Speaking to reporters after the talks, Umerov emphasized the need to “end the bloodshed on land, at sea, and in the air immediately.” Kyiv has the backing of its Western allies, including the United States and European nations, in pushing for this demand.
While the ceasefire proposals from both nations have not been officially released, sources familiar with the discussions suggest that the gulf between each side’s expectations remains wide. Ukraine has repeatedly rejected any arrangement that would involve territorial concessions or a reduction in its military capability.
Humanitarian Agreements Reached
Despite the lack of progress on broader peace measures, both sides did agree to a large-scale humanitarian prisoner swap. Medinsky confirmed that an agreement had been reached to exchange all gravely injured and seriously ill prisoners of war, as well as those under the age of 25. This “all for all” arrangement could involve a minimum of 1,000 individuals from each side, with the final numbers still being confirmed.
The deal marks one of the most significant humanitarian gestures in the war so far and could serve as a stepping stone for further confidence-building measures between the two warring parties.
Stalemate Continues
As of now, Russia controls roughly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including the strategically vital Crimean Peninsula and portions of the southeast. The military conflict, now in its third year, continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides. Civilians have borne the brunt of the destruction, with millions displaced and thousands killed.
International observers have expressed cautious optimism about the renewed dialogue but remain concerned about the lack of flexibility shown by the Russian side. US President Donald Trump recently referred to the war as a “bloodbath” and urged both nations to find a path to peace. However, Russia’s unwavering demands and Ukraine’s refusal to compromise on sovereignty have led many to believe that a comprehensive peace agreement remains elusive for now.
Outlook
While the talks in Istanbul showed a willingness to engage diplomatically, the deeply entrenched positions of both nations leave little room for immediate reconciliation. Observers say that unless one side softens its stance or external pressure leads to new diplomatic momentum, the conflict is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.
Efforts from Turkey, the host nation of the talks, and other international actors will now focus on facilitating further dialogue and potentially brokering smaller agreements that could pave the way for broader peace efforts.
