Russians and Ukrainians began on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Istanbul a new cycle of direct negotiations, overseen by Turkey. This meeting occurred despite positions deemed “diametrically opposed” by the Kremlin.
Key Takeaways from the Negotiations
A third session of Russian-Ukrainian negotiations took place on July 17 in Istanbul, yielding minimal progress. Moscow has described the discussions as “very complicated.”
Pressure from former US President Donald Trump is mounting, giving Moscow 50 days to reach an agreement or face sanctions. Kyiv is demanding a Russian withdrawal, a 30-day ceasefire, and the return of deported children.
Fighting continues to escalate, with 71 Russian drones targeting Ukraine, resulting in three fatalities in Kherson. Moscow claims to have secured Varatchyné in Soumy province and continues to push for the sale of Ukrainian territories.
Russians and Ukrainians kicked off their third session of direct negotiations in Istanbul on Wednesday evening. These peace talks are described by the Kremlin as “very complicated,” indicating that quick diplomatic progress to end the war initiated in February 2022 is unlikely.
“Our goal is to end this bloody war as quickly as possible,” stated Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister and host of the discussions, during the opening remarks at the Palais de Çiragan.
“The ultimate aim is a ceasefire that will pave the way for peace,” he continued after brief discussions with both the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, led by Vladimir Medinski and Roustem Oumerov , respectively.
The Kremlin appears to have lowered expectations regarding the potential outcomes of this round of talks. “No one is expecting an easy path. Of course, it will be a very complicated discussion,” said Dmitri Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian presidency. He reiterated that the proposed solutions to halt the conflict were “diametrically opposed.”
A source from the Ukrainian delegation expressed hope for a “constructive position” from Russia, urging them to abandon their “ultimatums.”
Political Pressures Amplify Negotiations
The Ukrainian negotiating team met with senior Turkish officials, particularly President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as confirmed by Andriï Iermak, the chief of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s cabinet, who was present during these talks.
These negotiations have been reignited under pressure from Donald Trump , who recently provided Moscow with a deadline of 50 days to secure an agreement with Ukraine, threatening severe sanctions if they fail to comply.
Western nations, including Kyiv, argue that the Kremlin is stalling negotiations by presenting maximalist demands , all while the Russian military continues to attack, gaining ground. On Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the capture of a new village, Varatchyné, in the northeastern region of Soumy . Reports indicated that over 220,000 customers were affected by drone strikes overnight.
Challenges and Stalemates
Currently, the positions of both parties seem irreconcilable. Previous sessions in May and June resulted in minimal progress, with mere agreements on prisoner exchanges and the return of deceased soldiers.
The Ukrainian delegation is once again being led by Roustem Oumerov , a former Defense Minister who has taken on a diplomatic role. The Russian team, led by Vladimir Medinski , has remained consistent, which has been a point of contention for Ukrainian authorities.
Peskov confirmed that the focus of these new discussions will primarily be on the “memorandums” exchanged in June, which encompass both parties’ peace proposals. Additionally, there will be discussions regarding the crucial process of prisoner exchanges.
Kyiv is also seeking to discuss the repatriation of Ukrainian children taken to Russia, as well as the potential for a meeting between Zelensky and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin .
Escalating Military Actions
As diplomatic discussions continue, military operations on the ground are intensifying. On the night of the negotiations, 71 Russian drones targeted various locations across Ukraine. Kherson has reported three fatalities and numerous injuries due to the attacks.
The Russian military claims to have neutralized 33 Ukrainian drones during that same night. Moscow demands that Ukraine concede four partially occupied regions in the east and south, along with Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. They require Ukraine to renounce Western arms deliveries and any aspirations for NATO membership—conditions deemed unacceptable by Kyiv.
Kyiv is calling for a 30-day ceasefire , a demand met with resistance from Russian forces, who appear to hold the favor on the battlefield. Since Trump’s re-ascendance to the presidential office in January, dialogue with Moscow has resumed, albeit with little success in curbing a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides. Frustration has been mounting, particularly regarding the shipment of US military equipment paid for by European NATO members to Ukraine.
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