The second round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine commenced in Istanbul on a tense note, just hours after a dramatic escalation in military attacks by both sides. Kyiv launched a significant drone strike in Siberia—its first deep hit into the Russian mainland since the onset of the war—while Moscow retaliated with intensified missile and drone barrages across Ukraine.
A Tense Start to High-Stakes Talks
Originally scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. GMT, the meeting experienced a delay of over two hours without explanation, finally starting around 12:30 p.m. GMT. The mood surrounding the meeting was already strained, and the recent air strikes only deepened the mistrust.
Despite both delegations arriving in Istanbul for the bilateral meeting, neither side appears even remotely close to a consensus. The atmosphere remains charged, underscored by the latest offensive from Kyiv targeting nuclear-capable Russian bombers stationed at a remote Siberian airbase.
Widening Attacks and Narrowing Options
Russia, in turn, has scaled up its missile and drone strikes across Ukrainian cities, signaling no intention of de-escalation. While the two sides meet to discuss their respective ideas of what a full ceasefire should entail, their actions on the battlefield suggest little inclination toward compromise.
Kyiv has maintained that certain territorial and sovereignty issues are “non-negotiable,” while Moscow has its own set of red lines. These rigid stances mean that fundamental disagreements remain untouched, despite superficial diplomatic engagement.
Turkey’s Role and the Call for U.S. Involvement
Turkey, acting as the host and facilitator, has urged the United States to play a stronger role in supporting the peace initiative. In a public statement, Ankara emphasized,
“The United States’ backing for Russia-Ukraine peace talks is extremely important.”
However, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning, threatening that the U.S. might step back from mediation efforts altogether if tangible progress is not made in the coming rounds.
Peace Drafts and Delegation Leads
At the beginning of Tuesday’s talks, Russian delegation leader Vladimir Medinsky confirmed that Moscow had received Ukraine’s draft memorandum for a peace accord in advance. He added that Russia would be presenting its own draft, along with unspecified ceasefire proposals, during the meeting.
Ukraine’s delegation is being led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who has played an increasingly visible role in diplomatic negotiations since the escalation of hostilities earlier this year.
Glimmers of Diplomacy Amid Chaos
Despite the rising violence, there was a notable diplomatic breakthrough during the first round of talks in Istanbul on May 16, when both sides agreed to conduct the largest prisoner swap of the war—each freeing 1,000 detainees. However, the milestone did little to build lasting momentum for broader peace or a ceasefire.
Conclusion
As Ukraine and Russia sit face-to-face once again in Istanbul, the chances of a meaningful resolution remain slim. With both countries hardening their positions while escalating attacks, the disconnect between words and actions becomes even more apparent. While diplomacy continues in theory, the war on the ground shows no signs of slowing.
The world watches as Turkey pushes for peace, the U.S. threatens to withdraw its support, and the hope for a lasting ceasefire remains perilously out of reach.
