Ukrainian and Russian officials came together for talks in Istanbul for the first time since early 2022.
The meeting was held in a historic palace by the Bosphorus, arranged with the support of Turkey and the United States. While tensions were clear from the start, with Ukrainian delegates dressed in military gear and no formal greetings exchanged, the meeting marked a rare moment of contact after years of war.
The talks were short and did not produce a path to peace. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia put forward demands viewed as unacceptable, such as asking Ukraine to pull back from large areas of its own territory. This demand was seen as unrealistic and was met with immediate rejection. The atmosphere remained tense throughout, and no deal was made regarding a ceasefire or future negotiations on ending the war.
Despite the failed effort to reach a truce, both sides agreed to exchange prisoners of war. Each country will return 1,000 prisoners to the other, offering hope to the families of those detained. Ukrainian officials shared that the exchange is already scheduled, though the exact date will be kept private. For many, this news was the only positive outcome from an otherwise difficult meeting.
The discussion took place under heavy pressure. The war has caused massive destruction in Ukraine, and the need for diplomacy has grown louder with each passing month. Still, many observers believe Russia may be using the talks to stall international pressure and avoid new European sanctions. Western nations remain cautious, watching closely for genuine steps toward peace rather than delay tactics.
Russia’s top delegate said their side was open to further discussions, which is a change in tone compared to recent harsh comments from Moscow. Ukraine, on the other hand, expressed interest in a direct meeting between President Zelensky and President Putin. That suggestion has not been accepted yet.
US President Donald Trump added to the conversation, saying only a meeting between him and President Putin would move the situation forward. He claimed no real progress will happen until such a talk occurs. However, there is no official plan for that meeting, and the Kremlin has said organizing such a summit would take time. Ukraine is not expected to be included if it happens.
As the war continues with no end in sight, families wait for their loved ones to return, and leaders on both sides weigh their next move. The prisoner swap brings a small sense of relief, but the road to peace remains long and uncertain.