Ukraine and Russia Set for Peace Talks This Week
Ukraine and Russia are set to meet in Istanbul on Wednesday for the first round of peace talks in nearly two months, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The talks, which were confirmed by both Kyiv and Russian state media, will focus on prisoner exchanges, the return of abducted children, and preparations for a potential meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday,” Zelensky said, referring to Ukraine’s National Security Council chief.
Moscow, however, continues to downplay the likelihood of progress. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the two sides are “diametrically opposed,” and emphasized that Russia still expects Ukraine to abandon its NATO ambitions and withdraw from four regions annexed by Moscow, which Kyiv and its allies continue to refuse to do. Peskov reiterated, “The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear.”
The upcoming talks follow increased pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned Moscow of “severe tariffs” if no deal is reached within 50 days. Meanwhile, Russian drone and missile strikes have escalated, killing civilians and damaging cities like Kramatorsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy. Ukraine has responded with long-range drone attacks and continues to defend key areas in the east. Despite the diplomatic push, neither side expects a ceasefire breakthrough anytime soon.
