ISLAMABAD: Russia and Ukraine exchanged competing roadmaps to end their three-year war during high-stakes negotiations in Istanbul on Monday, marking the first direct talks between the sides in months.
The discussions, mediated by Türkiye, followed Ukraine’s daring drone strikes on Russian airbases and came amid persistent battlefield stalemate.
Irreconcilable Demands Stall Progress
Ukraine insisted any deal must not “reward” Moscow’s aggression, with President Zelensky demanding a full ceasefire before discussing long-term terms. Russia, however, reiterated its core demands: Ukrainian neutrality, NATO exclusion, and recognition of annexed territories.
While both sides agreed to another prisoner exchange, the gulf between their positions remained vast.
Skepticism on the Frontlines
As diplomats negotiated, Ukrainian civilians and soldiers expressed little faith in the talks. “We have no home left—what’s there to discuss?” said Volodymyr, a resident of bombarded Dobropillya. A soldier in Kramatorsk added: “A respite would save lives, but I don’t believe Putin wants peace.”
The meeting followed Ukraine’s audacious weekend strike that damaged 40 Russian strategic bombers, showcasing Kyiv’s ability to hit deep behind enemy lines.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continue gaining ground in eastern Ukraine, per ISW data.
With Western security guarantees for Kyiv still contentious and Moscow demanding capitulation, the Istanbul talks yielded no breakthrough.
As Türkiye’s foreign minister noted, the world watches—but hope for peace remains fragile.
