Russia, Ukraine to Hold First Peace Talks in 3 Years

Russia and Ukraine are set to hold their first direct peace talks in three years on Friday, meeting in Istanbul for Turkish-mediated negotiations. However, expectations remain low for any significant breakthrough in ending the ongoing war, now in its fourth year.

The Ukrainian delegation is being led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, while Russia is sending a lower-level team headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. Observers have noted the disparity in the status of the two teams, with Ukraine accusing Moscow of not approaching the talks with genuine intent.

The latest attempt at peace began on a shaky footing. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed an offer from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a face-to-face meeting. Additionally, the two delegations initially travelled to different Turkish cities, underscoring the disorganisation and lack of mutual coordination.

Zelenskyy criticised Russia for sending a delegation he described as "a theatre prop," but said Ukraine would proceed with talks to demonstrate commitment to peace. He said the move was also intended to signal to U.S. President Donald Trump that Kyiv remains serious about resolving the conflict despite Moscow’s reluctance.

Ukraine has reportedly accepted a U.S. and European proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, while Russia has rejected the plan, citing wide-ranging preconditions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian and Western intelligence sources suggest Russian forces are preparing a fresh military offensive.

The Kremlin stated that its delegation would include three senior officials, along with four lower-ranking experts. Despite the imbalance in negotiating stature, both sides are expected to participate in preliminary discussions.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also in Istanbul, said he would meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Ukrainian delegation on Friday. He added that the Russian side would confer separately with other members of the U.S. team.

“We have low expectations for tomorrow’s talks,” Rubio told reporters Thursday in Antalya. “Frankly, it’s increasingly clear that the only real breakthrough could come from a direct meeting between President Trump and President Putin.”

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy flew to Albania to attend a summit of European political leaders on Friday, continuing Kyiv’s diplomatic outreach amid the stalled peace efforts.